INFLUX OF VISITORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26635, 4 December 1947, Page 4

INFLUX OF VISITORS

OTAGO MOTOR CAMPS FEWER EXTENDED TOURS “There is not the same inquiry for extended tours as there was last year, and our observations indicate that there will be a great number of motorists in Otago camps this year,” Mr _PF. Harre, secretary of the Automobile Association, said in an interview with the Daily Times yesterday. Mr Harre has completed a tour of the whole of the Otago territory checking up on roads, motor camps, oreak-down service garages, and obtaining general information for the benefit of the touring motorist, and he added that camps throughout Central Otago were being prepared for the expected large influx of visitors. "Many motorists did plan to go farther afield,” Mr Harre continued, “ and some are genuinely making a sacrifice to conserve pc.trol supplies by taking their holiday nearer at hand.” He said that many motorists who had arranged tours to the north before there was any question of restrictions on the use of petrol were concerned, about supplies, but from the information the association had, he felt certain that petrol would be available, although there might be some inconvenience to motorists in obtaining it. These motorists had booked accommodation many months ahead, Mr Harre said, and many were in a position of having to fulfil their obligations although some had been able to cancel their bookings.

Discussing the state of the roads he had observed on his tour of Otago, Mr Harre said that while there had been a vast improvement and a considerable amount of reconstruction work and sealing was progressing, some roads which had not been attended to were badly corrugated, and would become dusty as the dry weather continued.

Contractors working on the road had made complaints that some motorists disregarded their warning signs and proceeded on their way as if the roads were in normal condition. This added to the difficulty of the workmen, Mr Harre said, and he appealed to all motorists to go cautiously when approaching and passing road works. The dust menace should also.be guarded against, and motorists were advised not to follow a car ahead too closely. Some holiday motorists are already on tour. They remarked that they preferred to travel before the rush to the motor camps began in earnest. Considerable improvements have been effected in the facilities in motor camps generally during the past year, this applying particularly to Queenstown and fox’s Camp at Alexandra. There is ample provision at both these camps for tents and caravans, although the hut accommodation is at a premium. As some inquiries are. received regarding isolated back roads, Mr Harre inspected both access roads to Lake Onslow, which lies between Roxburgh and Paerau, .and although unmetalled they are negotiable in fine weather. He also traversed Dansey’s Pass (Naseby to Livingstone.). This road is not recommended for the average tourist in the meantime.

The Automobile Association recently erected signs, indicating walks, places of interest and historical spots in the vicinity of Queenstown, Glenorchv, Kinloch, and Wanaka, and these should prove very useful to the holidaymaker. Mr Harre urged motorists not to leave their requirements in regard to mechanical adjustments until the last possible moment, and to have their brakes, lights and tyres checked before commencing their tours afield.