WASTED CHANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1922, Page 8

WASTED CHANCES.

NEW ZEALAND AND THE TOURISTS. AN AMERICAN OPINION. “New Zealand is a very interesting place,” said Mr. William M. Mclnerny, an American visitor, to a Dominion reporter. “It has wonderful assets from the point of view of the tourist, but as far as we can see it is making very little effort to harvest the tourist crop. That is an enormous crop in America and in Hawaii. It is one of the best crops for a country to develop, since all the money comes from outside, and is distributed in cash.” The visitor was careful to explain that he was not out to condemn New Zealand in any respect. He had come to see the country, not give reproof or advice. He did not want to say anything at all about New Zealand’s railways, for example.. They might suit some people. But when asked a direct question he was prepared to admit that in his opinion the people of New Zealand were not making an effective use of such extraordinarily valuable assets as th» thermal regions and the Maoris. They were not offering the tourist the travel facilities and the accommodation that would match the natural attractions. The Maoris ought to be placed very high in the list of New Zealand tourist assets, said Mr. Mclnerny. The Natives had a very great deal to offer the tourist if they were assisted to display themselves, their picturesque dresses, and custom, their remarkable dance, and so forth. The Maoris were a show people, and they had been placed in a show country. Thej’ could draw much money to New Zealand if they were assisted effectively.