THE WAIHI BEACH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5371, 7 January 1929, Page 2

THE WAIHI BEACH.

POPULARITY WANING. MORE ATTRACTIONS NEEDED. In the last issue of the Waihi Telegraph appears the following article by “Observer,” in, an effort to draw attention to conditions pertaining at the Waihi Beach:— It is a creditable thing to feel a Pride in one’s town or dlfetrict, but when this legitimate virtue develops into complacency, with no effort to improve things, then ilt becomes a menace. This has happened in the case of the Waihi Bqach. Elven those who speak slightingly of Waihi are enthusiastic in their praise of our seaside and their enthusiasm is increased by the fac,t .that outsiders have from time; to time characterised the beach as one of the finest in the Dominion. Be this as it in ay, the writer agreejs that it te) a particularly fine surfing beach ; but there is no gainsaying the fact that with the opening of the East Coast railway and other reasons referred t-fe herein the Waihi Beach is in very real danger of losing its popularity. For many years the re sori wag the rendezvous of the people of Waihi. The ■miner, after twelve months underground, looked forward) to going out to the seaside and there, with his wife and family, enjoying the bracing air. He and his “better half’’ went about in any old thing in the shape of wearing apparel. Clothes did not count, and the beach was deservedly popular for its health-giving properties. This continueud for a few years, until the fame. of the beach sprqad abroad, and gradually the process of evolution became active. From a care-free, happy-go-lucky resort it slowly developed into a sejmi-fashion-able place, and the Waihi-ite, in order to keep up with the trend) of the

times, found that the cost of a holiday at the seaside bqcame as great as that of one spent in the city. Rents beca-uie higher also. DANGERS OF DELAY.

Whilst this not very desirable progress was in evidence; the Waihi Borough Council, as the controlling body, did nothing (apari; from the road) to popularise the beach. It apparently seemed to be infected, with the; prevailing spirit of complacency, but it will be faced with a rude awakening —the comparatively small attendance out at the beach on New Year’s Day is the writing on the wall —unless something is done to add to. the attractiveness of the; rqsprt. Take the Waihi Beach at present, the question arises, “What is there te attract visitors ?” A fine bathing and surfing beach certainly, but what A»d the answer is “Nothing.” PROVISION FOR GAMES. An official of. the New Year’s Day sports committee informed the writer that a large number of donors of mo: ey stressed the fact that they would willingly give more if such money were utilised to provide tennis courts and other attractions, and there is no doubt but that ’ there is an urgent need for thq provision of games arid ot,her. amusements at the present time. Tennis is becoming increasingly popular, and if the Waihi Borough Council would only spend a little money in providing courts, thqse would pay for themselves in a very short space of time. The outlay would not be groat, and the courts would add materially to the attracts vene's,s of the resort. Bowling and croquet greens have; also been suggested, but thqse ar,e more expensive and could come later. SOME OTHER NEEDS. Other needs, if the Waihi Beach is to become a popular seaside resort, are seating accommodation and flreplace;s at which: picnickers can boil water for tea at meal times. It is nothing short of monstrous, that boil-

ing water has to be bought. The fireplace in the a.ll-to-sma)l “resit room” is by no means sufficient to meejt requirements. It is said that the Borough Council is inviting tenders for the sale for removal of the “homqstead cottage.” The sale of this building would not add materially to the finances, whilst on tlhe other hand judicious and by no means heavy expenditure on its renovation and extension would convert the “homestead” into a welcome shelter and gathering-place for campers under canvas in. wet weather. There is also need for footpaths and the cutting of the long grass on th-e reserve. Waihi has an undoubted assqt in its beach, but unless are token to make it more attractive there will be a gradual falling, away in the number of (holiday-makers and campers. They will go to Tauranga and our seaside; resort will become a drag on the council’s finances.