LESS TOURISTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 708, 6 July 1929, Page 9

LESS TOURISTS

TRAFFIC TO NEW ZEALAND LAST YEAR Tourist traffic into New Zealand last year was considerably below the number who travelled the Dominion in 1927. It is estimated less than £1,000,000 was spent in New Zealand last year. In the past 12 months 8,500 overseas visitors entered New Zealand, compared with 9,509 in, the previous year. Since 1922 the number of tourists has gradually increased from 7,100 in 1922 to the highest mark of 9,509 in 1927. These illuminating figures are contained in the annual review of the New Zealand Tourist League, presented to members yesterday. While directing attention to the improvements being made at tourist resorts at Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Milford Sound and Waitomo Caves, the league complains of restrictions imposed on visitors concerning the length of their stay at the Waitomo Hostel, and regrets that a steamer service to the Sounds could not be organised for the summer months. “Wo cannot see why New Zealand with the same railway gauge that exists in South Africa cannot supply something on the lines of sleeping accommodation there charged at 3s a night. Even if a rug could be hired it would be a great comfort to people who have to endure the night journey to and from Wellington,” the league says. The law requiring foreigners to deposit £lO on arrival W&s declared by the league to be causing a great deal of dissatisfaction. It would cause an unfavourable impression with overseas* visitors. Officers were elected for the ensuing year as under: —President, Mr. G. M. Fowlds; vice-president, the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, M.P., Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., Mr. R. L. Wigley (Timaru), Mr. A. A. Paape (Dunedin), Mr. J. N. McLean (Rotorua) and Mr. D. J. McGowan (Wellington); executive commute, Messrs. G. Finn, P. H. Hayward, A. A. Brown, H. A. Johnston, A. S. Graham, IT. Welsh, G. Wallnutt; .secretary, Mr. T. Walsh; treasurer, Mr. G. M. Fowlds. The balance sheet showed that the league finished its financial year with a credit of £23 13s. The following resolutions were carried: “That the remodelling of the native villages at Rotorua should be expedited as the criticism of their neglected appearance is warranted.” “That town planning should be adopted at Taupo, which will have a future as a tourist resort.” “That a policy of ‘hack and burn’ should not be applied to the bush about Lakes Okataina, Okareka and Waikaremoana; the bush should be preserved to the skyline on the hills.” “That work for unemployed men could be found on the hastening of the construction of the road to Waikaremoana from Ruatahuna.” “That the formation of a road from Auckland to Russell, the centre of the Dominion’s fishing, ought to be expedited.” “That inquiries be made with a view to making more extensive scenic and climatic reserves (properly guarded under fire control regulations) on Mount Pirongia, Maungatautari, Mount Edgecumbe (Bay of Plenty), Te Aroha Mountain, and on the Moehau Range (Coromandel Peninsula).” It was resolved to urge the Department of Tourists and Health Resorts to exploit in a better manner the healing properties of the abundant mineral waters. The league has also endeavoured to induce the Government to modify the conditions under which tourists may enter New Zealand; Sir Joseph Ward states that new legislation will be needed. Satisfaction was expressed that the Government was to modernise the bathing accommodation at Rotorua.