TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5456, 2 August 1929, Page 3

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

* THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA. MR. SAMUEL’S SPEECH. Speaking on the tourist question in the House of Representatives, Mr A. M. Samuel, member for Thames, said:. “In the Thames district, which 1 have the, honour' to represent, and especially in the Coromandel Peninsula, we have some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, and I that will be admitted by everyBone who has been fortunate enough 7to visit that locality. The several Ministers who have visited my electorate have pronounced themselves as being wonderfully impressed with the district. Even the Minister of Health, -Jjjwho is* smiling. at me now, informed die that it was an absolute delight to view such grand and impressive scenery. “What has retarded the district in the past from a tourist viewpoint has been the lack of a, road connecting link between Whenuakite and Tairua to enable the completion of a round trip. ' Fortunately, on my recom|nnendation the Minister of Public Works has now seen his way to have a road between the-two districts constructed, and when it is completed it will make possible one of the most debjpightful drives in New Zealand, and yone which wili be easily accessible. It . will make possible a motor tour through scenery which is unrivalled in any'ipther part of the Dominion. I do not' say that other parts of the country are not equally fortunate in possessing tourist attractions. I do not wish to decry other districts in any way, because I think New Zealand is so rich in tourist resorts that almost every honourable member can a speak in support of his own particular district. But the drive I would like particularly to lay stress upon is that between Thames and Coromandel and over to Mercury Bay. It is one that is comparable only to the drive L along the Italian and French Riviera, " and passes through some of the most beautiful bush scenery. There are giant kauri trees in all their beauty, side by side with pungas and king fern ; also natural bird life, which I-Wi-ust the Minister of Internal Affairs will see is protected for all time. “In addition, there are most beautiful bays and harbours, and delightful • camping places with a plentiful supply of sea fish and shellfish ; and in every small valley excellent streams from which campers can draw all the the water they require. I would ask the general manager of the department whether he will endeavour to give more publicity to this resort. “I think everyone will agree with me that Mercury Bay is the -home of game fishing. It willbecoipe the J most popular resprt in the world for F that sport. ' Lately it has Received isome advertisement through , some. -American visitors—Mr Zane Grey and 1 his party—who are unanimous in their praise of the district; They spent a considerable time there last year, and now they' have "deserted 'their; Casual haunts' in the north and decided that Mercury Bay is to be thfeir home in future, as far’as big gamCiishmg is concerned. • With ample ’accommodation of a first-class order, and splendid launches available, the place is not only a resort for big game fishing, but also a place where anyone can spend a very delightful holiday. It is easy of access, ’having a good road, and there are fine beaches and everything that the heart of the tired man and the sportsman could desire. “Whilst there are many other, places in my district, and on this drive from Thames, through Coromandel to Mercury Bay, and then round to.Paethrough beautiful Tairua, WhanWaihi, Waitawheta, Waikino, ' and Karangahake Gorge in my, district, about which I would like -to speak, I know that there are others who wish to speak about their own and that the right honourgentleman will like time to. reply. Therefore I will not take up .the time of the House any further,, except to say that, in my opinion, the district that I represent is so rich in attractions that if the general manager took trip through he would certainly see his way. clear to' issue a special publication so that the beauties and attractions of the district could be more widely known;