HON. THOS. MACKENZIE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 267, 1 April 1911, Page 7

HON. THOS. MACKENZIE

VISIT TO MOUNTAIN HOUSE. The Hon. T. Mackenzie (Minister in charge of Health and Tourist Resorts) with Miss Mackenzie and Mr. L. E. Johnson (private secretary) paid a short visit to the North Eminent Mountain House yesterday. The Ministerial party was accompanied by Mrs. Collis, Messrs. Okey and Jennings, M.'sP., W. A .t'ollis (chairman North Kgniont committee), E. Griffiths (chairman Chanibei of Commerce), G. Tisch (Mayor), Newton King, M. Eraser and Penn. Now Plymouth was left tit 8 a.m. in motor-cars, one of which was kindly lent by Mr. King, and the Mountain House was reached at about !).30 a.m. Then a short tour of inspection was made. The various sites of the proposed new -house were inspected, and the Hon. Mackenzie expressed himself pleased at the site chosen, which he considered wa», taking into consideration all the circumstances, the most suitable. He favorably commented on the foresight of those who had the reserve originally set apart, and also congratulated the Scenery Preservation Society on having been the means of having it formed into a National park. He expressed himself more than pleased with what he had seen. The road to the house through the forest reserve contained some of the finest natural bush he had ever viewed, and he stated his intention of sending up the Government photographer to take cinematograph films along the track for the purposes of advertising it. He further intimated that he would take steps when the next guide book was issued to set apart space for advertising Taranaki scenic resorts. ,

At 11 a.m., the inspection having been completed, the party sat down to luncheon, after which Mr. Tisch, on behalf of Xcw Plymouth and the district, expressed pleasure at having received the visit from the Hon. T. Mackenzie. He hoped now that the Minister had seen for himself the advantages of Taranaki from various standpoints, including what he seen the previous day of nature's products from several thousand feet below the surface, and to-day what nature produced as many thousand feet above, his visit would be productive ol good in more* ways than one to the district as a whole.

The Hon. T. Mackenzie in reply, expressed thanks for all that had been done for him during his stay, He had, been greatly impressed with what he had seen in Taranaki. As Mr. Tisch had remarked, the previous day he had witnessed one of the wonders nature produced at a point over 3000 ft. below the level of the sea, and that day he had seen the wonderful beauties of nature 3000 ft. above sea level. He was also pleased with the system in vogue at the Mountain House. The committee was working on right lines in providing accommodation that catered for the comfort and convenience of all classes. lid also favored the cottage system for private hire. After luncheon the Mountain House was left, the Ministerial party, accompanied by Mr. Jennings, M.P., motoring to Stratford to fulfil engagements, whilst the remainder returned to New Plymouth. Messrs. King and Collis were mainly responsible for the arrangements in connection with the trip, which anpcared to be thoroughly enjoyed by all.