AMERICAN VISITORS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 154, 22 February 1932, Page 6

AMERICAN VISITORS

BIG PARTY IN ROTORUA UPON A HURRIED VISIT PLEASED WITH DOMINION The Matson liner Mariposa arrived in Auckland on her maiden voyage to these waters on Saturday morning bringing 240 cruise passengers and others booked for various ports, bringing the total up to 375. Of the 240 tourists booked from San Francisco for the round trip 90 availed themselves of the special train to Rotorua on Saturday and paid a hurried visit to the thermal attractions of the district. The time, however, was too short for them to make an extended tour of the locality and the afternoon was principally occupied with an inspection of Whakarewarewa. In the evening a Maori concert was provided in the Peerless Hall and attended by a large majority of the visitors. After the concert an adjournment was made to the Blue Bath, which had been specially kept open late for the convenience of the guests. Heavy rain, however, robbed the fixture of some of its enjoyment. There are many enthusiastic fishermen in the party and a number of them turned out at 4.30 on Sunday morning to get in a few hours with the rods before leaving by train at 9.30 on the return journey to Auckland, where they were due to catch their boat on Sunday. Discussing the trip with a "Post" representative, Mr. McPhail, the manager who came with the party to Rotorua, said the passengers who did not come on here would spend Saturday in Auckland and suburbs. Many of them were anxious to see the wonderful memorial museum,

which was highly spoken of abroad. He would have liked to call at Wellington and Milford Sound, but there was not time during this trip. The visitors were very much impressed by the hospitality of the New Zealand people and found them very pleasant to deal with. They had seen the life and natural beauty of the country and were decidedly pleased. The Department Helps "Yes, we are being looked after by the Tourist Department," said Mr. McPhail in answer to a question, "and I have nothing but praise for their efficiency. Our company is one of the largest tourist organisations in the world, with the exception of Cook's, and as a representative I do appreciate very much what is done for us. The Department is very satisfactory to do business with." .One thing which appealed very favourably to the passengers was the quantity of excellent literature regarding New Zealand, which was plaeed on the ship at Suva. The visitors had an op~ portunity to learn quite a lot abouti the country before arrival in Auckland. Increasing Popularity Referring to the financial depresion and its effect upon such cruises Mr. McPhail said he had never before carried quite so many really wealthy people. The party was highly representative of well-to-do Americans. He expected to see increasing numbers visit New Zealand in the future. News of the country was spread by influential people after each voyage and the trip should grow in popularity. , New Zealand had much to offer in the way of attractions. From Auckland the Mariposa goes to Sydney, Port Moresby, Bali, Batavia, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila Hongkong, Shanghai (he hoped!), Peking, Kobe, Yokohama, Helo (Hawaii), and baclc to San Francisco.