PROGRESSIVE OTAKI.

Otaki Mail, 4 January 1924, Page 2

PROGRESSIVE OTAKI.

The local Chamber of Commerce are to be congratulated upon their initiative in securing the services of a firstclass ciucmatographer, to take animated pictures of Otaki and its surroundings. There are few methods that can place the attractions of any district so'vividly before the eye of the public (and perhaps nothing makes a greater appeal to one's mind than an actual life-like scene, taken among everyday surroundings. These scenes will in time be shown in every town in Now Zealand and perhaps extracts included in uiauy of the pictorial gazettes which find their way into almost every country in the civilised world. How often does one attend the local theatro and see some magnificent scenes of some town or district of which they have never heard. Its size and importance are not of sufficient significance to warrant its inclusion in the geography of tho public schools, yet it perhaps possesses attractions which will bring the interested tourist from the farthest corners of the globe. Otaki is rich in scenic surroundings, blessed with one of the finest climates in tho southern hemisphere, and can offer sport with rod or gun that should satisfy the desires of the most exacting. Its beach is a safe one for bathing and accommodation at the kiosk is really firstclass.

A word iu passing about tho cinema tographer may not be amiss. Fourteen years ago Mr. Charles F. Newharu. was a successful portrait photographer, in Wanganui. He purchased a small cinema outfit with the idea of taking local events, but the quality of tho work he turned out soon created such a demand for his services in other parts of the Dominion, that he reliuguished the portrait business and dovoted himself solely to cinematography. One of the first pictures taken by Mr. Newham, with his small camera, was the nesting of the gannets at Capo Kidnappers and for artistry and clear photography this will compare, even to-day, with any film of the kind ever imported. Mr. Newham later purchased a larger machine with all the latest attachments and up-to-date movements and with his sense of the artistic and his skill in developing and toning, he to-day occupies the position of this Dominion's preniier <einoniatogrnpher. In such capable hands Otaki and its surroundings will be faithfully reproduced.

We have only space to mention a few '. of the scenes that have been recorded. A start was made at Forest Lakes, ! where some lino views were obtained. : At the however, the light was very unfavourable and it was thought advisable to leave this till tha opportunity offered of recording tho scenic 1 beauty of its deep ravines, picturesque cascades and bush-clad slopes which dolight the eye and gladden the heart of every visitor. The Maori Church, with its beautiful specimens of ancient Maori art and the monument of th© famous Te Rauparaha could on no account be missed, for they arc part and parcel of the early history of Otaki and will always bo looked upon with pride by the residents and admiration by visitors. The Convent and grounds were also taken and then lo iucludo the rural aspect and at the same time the real backbone of the district, some fine dairying pictures wen- obtained at Messrs Tews Bros. From there to the beach is but a step but what life and action xrerc here. The day was ideal and those, who were not disposed to bathe, indulged in various games on tho beach. The band played a good programme of music and the Life Saving Club gave a demonstration. Otaki seaside resort may not yet be a Palm Beach, Blackpool or Manley, but it is fast becoming one of the most popular seaside resorts in New Zealand and those pictures will do much to enhance its popularity. The kio:d<, general panorama of the seaside resort, and Otaki township and views on the bowling and tennis greens help to complete a picture of which Otaki should be justly proud.