BIG INFLUX

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 460, 18 June 1937, Page 3

BIG INFLUX

TOURIST SEASON Attractions Of Dominion Turning in their thousands from the old beaten paths, American tourists are now planning visits to New Zealand and Australia. Not only the lure of new fields and the pictures glowingly painted of mountain and river grandeur, glowworm caves and thermal wonders, but also the disturbances, unrest and fear of war in the countries of Europe, are having their effect. “Go West,” which was the slogan of Americans in days long gone by, is now “Go South” to the tourist who is leading the way in the, new movement. There would have been a first experience of the change last summer, but the hold-up of shipping on the Pacific Coast compelled large numbers to cancel trips to this part of the world. They went instead to other parts of America or Japan, or perhaps some just stayed at home. Next year they hope there will be nothing to spoil their plans. Perhaps delay has whetted their appettite. Certainly the experience of the shipping companies suggests it, for the tide of bookings is setting in already, and a bumper season is expected.

Swelling The Stream. Even the New Zealand winter—not an ordeal, of course, to those who have lived through the snow and ice of January in the northern parts of the United States—is no deterrent, for, according to latest advices, the Mariposa, leaving San Francisco next Tuesday, will have a passenger list approaching a record. A fortnight before the sailing date all the best accommodation had been taken up, and when the last farewells are waved there should be few vacant berths. This is the begining. It is expected that the bookings will be equally heavy for the next two sailings. Then the season will open. At least, that is how the American observer sees it. The Coronation crowds will he moving through the United States on their way back to the Dominion, soon afterwards more Americans will join to escape the severity of their approaching winter, and in six or seven months perhaps Clipper flying ships will be winging their way across the Pacific, also bringing a sprinkling of tourists to swell the general stream.