PROGRESSIVE GISBORNE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 815, 8 November 1929, Page 14

PROGRESSIVE GISBORNE

Mr. Mayor Says —

DISTRICT RICH IN GLORIOUS SCENERY A SPORTING COMMUNITY The holiday season is approaching and j many Aucklanders who do not intend to travel far afield will he wondering which part of the province holds the most attraction for them. We have invited the Mayors of the chief Boroughs outside Auckland and its immediate envu'ons to contribute articles setting forth the holiday attractions of their towns. The Mayors (and, in some cases, chairmen of town hoards) have responded cordially to I THE SUN’S invitation. Each , in turn,] will advocate the charms of his town. ! No. 3. (By Mr. D. TV COLEMAN, Mayor of Gisborne) Q.ISBORNE is one of the most progressive towns in the Dominion, and is conveniently situated on the Turanganui, which is the outlet for the Taruteru and Waimata Rivers running through the town. Gisborne, in addition to a steamer service from Auckland, is provided with efficient motor services running at different hours daily, both north to Auckland, via Rotorua, and south to Napier and Wellington. The fares are indeed very reasonable, and compare favourably with those in other parts of the Dominion. Gisborne is fortunate in possessing so many beautiful and health-giving resorts, which are to be found in and around the district. The Waikanae Beach, commencing at the Turanganui River, and running around the bay for a distance of eight miles or more, is one of the finest beaches in New Zealand; and, adjacent to the town, bathing sheds, tea kiosk, and tenuis courts provide the amenities for an up-to-date camping site for touring motorists. For those who do not desire to be near the sea, another camping site in the heart of the town is now being laid out upon up-to-date lines, situated in the Victoria Domain, Childers Road between Disraeli and Roebuck Roads. The charges are those adopted by the automobile associations, and are not in any way excessive.

The Kaiti suburb also possesses a good beach, which runs east from the Turanganui River, around Tuahine Point lighthouse, and thence along the Wainui Coast northward, where various week-end shacks are well patronised during the summer months.

Adjacent to Gisborne are two beautiful bush reserves, which have been secured for the public—one Grey’s Bush, on the back Ormond Road, about six miles from town, and Waihirere, about eight miles, where camping facilities are provided for picnic parties.

The district is well provided with rivers, where the trees growing on the banks afford ample shelter for those desiring to picnic or break the monotony of their journey while on tour. There are also other beautiful resorts where visitors might, with profit, spend a few days, such as the Tatapouri Hotel, situated on the ocean beach north of Gisborne, where sea bathing and fishing can be enjoyed; while farther north are to be found the health-giving Te Puia hot springs, where good accommodation is also to be had. This lovely spot is about 50 miles from Gisborne, and is accessible by a good road. Travelling from Gisborne in a westerly direction, by either rail or car, visitors can reach Motu, which is -also about 50 miles from town. There is good accommodation here, and the climate is bracing, as the altitude is close on 2,000 feet above sea-level. Beautiful scenery and native bush are to be found in this locality, and good trout-fishing. On the main south road from the town, travellers pass through Morere, which is one of the wonder spots of the Dominion. Here there are many springs of varied temperature and curative properties. Excellent hotel accommodation is available, and there is also a camping site adjacent to the beautiful bush reserve. In the same direction, on the Tiniroto Road, is to be found the Te Reinga Falls, at the junction of the Ruakituri and Hangaroa Rivers, and in this vicinity will be found good accommodation at the Tiniroto Hotel, which is situated on a picturesque lake, which affords good duck-shooting in the season. The sport of pig-hunting is also popular in this district. Distance from the town is approximately 40 miles. The Gisborne people form a sporting community. The district is fortunate in possessing two up-to-date racecourses, which are situated very handy to the town. In the town itself are to be found excellent grounds, where cricket, bowls, football, tennis, basketball, and hockey are played, and oarsmen are catered for by two good clubs which have a fleet of boats for rowing on Gisborne’s lovely rivers. For those who do not desire such active pastimes, there are pleasant reserves in the centre of the town, where a few hours’ leisure can pleasurably be spent. Gisborne possesses a first-class Opera House and two picture theatres (one having recently installed the talkies). In regard to accommodation, Gisborne is fortunate in possessing some of the best hotels in the Dominion.