A USEFUL INSTITUTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 September 1915, Page 4

A USEFUL INSTITUTION.

It used to be said of New Plymouth that it was too prone to 'hide its lights under the proverbial bushel; so far as its scenic assets were concerned. But this is no longer true. New Plymouth is now known throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion as one of the most desirable places in New Zealand in which to spend a holiday or reside. It is also becoming known as a live, go-ahead town. This change- has been largely brought about by the work of the publicity department set up by the town three years ago, namely, the Tourist and Expansion League. It ha 3 neglected no opportunity of making known the town's advantages, attractions and resources, using the printing press, the newspaper, the periodical, the envelope, the poster stamp, the framed photograph, the cinematograph—in fact, every medium of informing the outside public of what the town and district have to o/fer.. The results have been entirely satisfactory, and fully justify the action of townspeople in establishing the League and providing it with the necessary funds. It was the original intention of citizens to embark upon a three years' campaign, and subscriptions were promised for that period, which has now been completed, and townspeople must decide at the annual meeting of the League to-night whether the work is to be continued or otherwise. In face of what has been accomplished, it would be a mistake to drop the publicity work, which really has become essential to the development of the town as a watering place and a desirable place of residence. Since the League commenced operations, the town lias every year been attracting more and more holiday makers, who look to the League's bureau for guidance and assistance. The bureau lias become indispensable to the town, and, whatever may be the decision of townspeople, respecting the future of the League, the bureau and secretary should lie kept going. There is another matter which should engage the attention of townspeople, and that is the provision of more accommodation for visitors. At present, the accommodation is very limited, so much so that at holiday times many prospective visitors have to be turned away. It is a question that has been giving the executive of the League considerable thought, and 'will come- up for discussion at to-night's meeting, which should be attended by all having a desire to promote the interests of the town and who appreciate the valuable work performed by the executive during the past three years.