IMPROVEMENTS AT ROTORUA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 888, 4 February 1930, Page 8

IMPROVEMENTS AT ROTORUA

ONE of the few clear-cut and progressive decisions of the present Government has been that affecting the baths and allied tourist facilities at Rotorua. The readiness with which Sir Joseph Ward, as Minister of Tourist and Health Resorts, tackled the problem of renovation, and the promptness with which his promises have been ratified, are worthy of praise, for the condition into which the bath buildings and accommodation had been allowed to drift was inexcusable, and the existing state of affairs was becoming a byword among townspeople and observant visitors alike. All New Zealand must welcome the activities now being pushed forward at Rotorua because the resort has been, and will now continue to be, one of the greatest assets and attractions possessed by this country. In his address at Rotorua on Monday, the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, the Prime Minister’s departmental successor, proved that he is equally alive to the necessity for a generous programme of spring-cleaning, reconstruction, and improvement at the Dominion Spa. However, the various points raised at the meeting attended by him draw attention to the fact that there are a number of questions yet to be decided. The sewage disposal scheme outlined by the Mayor is one of direct concern to the Government, for although Rotorita now enjoys local self administration, its destinies as a town are so interwoven with the requirements of the Tourist Department that close co-operation and mutual assistance are imperative. The problem of Whakarewarewa has yet to be faced. The need for a diplomatic, yet none the less firm policy of improvement in this village—one of Rotorua’s most popular centres of native life and customs and the inevitable goal of tourists was stressed at the time when the widespread agitation for general renovation at Rotorua persuaded a young Government to take action. Whakarewarewa has been visited and examined by town-planning experts who agree that a great change for the better can and should be made, and their views are those of Rotorua residents and local body representatives who have been insistent in tlieir urge for healthier conditions. The Whakarewarewa question may be, as Mr. Perrelle has said, a delicate one, but it should be set-tied without delay for the present conditions in the village are a reflection of those existing in the unsavoury old bath-house.

It is to be hoped that Mr. Perrelle will reach finality in his discussion of Whakarewarewa with Sir Apirana Ngata. In the meantime the remainder of this programme, including the preparation of a sports ground and golf course, and road improvements in the district, gives every cause for satisfaction.