INCREASED TOURIST TRAFFIC TO THE LAKE COUNTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1797, 12 January 1884, Page 2

IN CRE A SED TO URIS T TRAFFIC TO THE LAKE COUNTRY.

As might have been expected and as has often been predicted in the columns of this journal, the completion and opening of the new line of road between Cambridge and Ohinemutu has inaugurated a new era in the tourist traffic between Auckland and the above scene of universal attraction. The fact that it took two long days to make the journey between Cambridge and Ohinemutu, coupled with the unattractive and dreary nature of the country passed through was a great drawback to the more extensive adoption oi the Waikato route ; and though the Taraunga route was not such an improvement on that by Waikato, and possibly more costly, still it was decidedly more popular, and consequently the more extensively patronised. Tourists can now leave Auckland by the ordinary morning train, and arrive at Oxford, (taking buggy from either Cambridge or Hamilton) about 8 o'clock the same evening. An easy drive on the following morning of between four and five hours, lands them in the wonderland of New Zealand, and if they have made an early start from Oxford the greater portion of their second day from Auckland can be spent in examining the attractions of the place. Aperahama te Kume, an enterprising native, is about to erect an accommodation house at the bush, which should be very acceptable to, and well patronised by travellers. It will be seen from accounts which we have already published that since the opening of the road the tourist traffic has considerably' increased, and several sir.art trips have been made from Cambridge by buggies belonging to Messrs Carter, Johnson and Kirkwood, who arealwaya in a position to meet the require' ments of the travelling public, > Mr Carter,; and Mr Kirkwood»;we understand,' intend nwniflg coaveyww* at w owjy &tfe b^

tween Cambridge t and Ohinemutu, and with reasonable fares we have little doubt their enterprise will be well patronised. Doubtless a ninil service between both places will likewise be started, and we hope befote long to see the entire route connected by either telephone or telegraph, with stations at Oxford and Lichfield. The time has now arrived when this proposal, which some time ago originated in these' columns, should receive the favourable consideration of the postal authorities. When the line of coaches is established the public of Auckland will be able to organise excursions to the lakes, the railwvy authorities arranging with the coach proprietor for a through ticket and at stated times at reduced rates. There is nothing in this too much to expect, nor to> extravagant to realise.