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The Tararua track begins above Kaitoke, about forty miles from Wellington. It then goes through the Tauherenikau Valley to Totara Plat, where the country is of a contrasting but equally beautiful appeal, and continues to Mount Holdsworth, where the northern end of the track joins the road to Masterton or Carterton. This trip will take about three days in all, and it will also be possible to do a walking tour coming out at a point half-way along the track. Camps With the end of the war and the removal of petrol restrictions, camping, and particularly motor camping, will come importantly into holiday recreation. A network of good small camps is provided and maintained Ivy the automobile associations throughout New Zealand, and should meet the needs of the motoring public. At specially popular resorts, however, it appears desirable that larger and more elaborate camps should be constructed to serve the very large number of campers there in the summer period. These camps requii'e more supervision than they have now and better provision of firewood to prevent damage to nearby plantations. Where it appears likely that many such campers are likely to be in residence for a period, recreation facilities will have to be provided, and suitable recreation programmes arranged. The provision of camps in national parks and other reserved areas will call for special safeguards, involving full co-operation with the State Departments controlling these areas. Recreation Programmes for Tourist Resorts One of the most promising pre-war developments was the provision of well-organized recreation programmes at selected tourist resorts where large numbers of New-Zealanders gather in the summer. Representations were made that people who were 011 holiday did not wish merely to stay in a hotel or stroll through streets all day. They wanted small sports tournaments, games, parties, picnics, in which they would meet other people, and general arrangements to go out and enjoy themselves in the open air. Consequent upon these recommendations various types of recreational programmes were tried. Tramps, picnics, launch trips and outdoor excursions were very popular, and the demands for them were insistent. Sports activities were arranged for the younger folk, and these too were well appreciated. Comment made on the experiments showed that this provision had greatly increased the general enjoyment of a stay at a tourist resort and suggested that this aspect of recreation policy could appreciably increase the attraction of tourist resorts. When conditions permit, this policy will be pursued again and extended to all main resorts. Beaches Another great factor in holiday recreation is the wealth of first-class beaches in the Dominion. In England and in Australia much has been done lo provide recreation on the main beaches, and thus more people have been drawn to them. These beaches have proved ideal places for the tired city mother to take her children. She can rest in comfort while her children have a happy time in properly supervised playgrounds under competent directors. Similar enterprise should be undertaken at the principal beaches of New Zealand This programme will require the support of the local authorities concerned and the co-operation of the New Zealand Surf Association to ensure the safety of the beaches. Beach Patrols. —In carrying out this policy consideration will have to be given by those concerned to the following points:— (1) The appointment of full-time qualified life-guards 011 the more important beaches during the summer period: (2) The provision of the equipment necessary to prevent drowning fatalities: (3) The organization of beach recreation and the facilities and equipment necessary for such purpose. Councils of Sport Following 011 the successful formation of Provincial Councils of Sport, the New Zealand Council of Sport was established. It is an official but independent body representing all sports, and acts as principal adviser to the Government 011 all matters affecting general sport in New Zealand. In the case of a particular sport, the association concerned is directly consulted. An invitation to the Department to be represented on the Council was appreciated but not accepted, because the Department wished the Council to be entirely independent. No officer of the Department is permitted, by virtue of his official position, to be a, member of the Council or to attend the meetings of the Council other than by invitation to discuss the merit or practicability of some special scheme under consideration. The Government has assisted in the establishment of thei Council with grants to cover annual expenses of administration and expenses incurred in special approved schemes. The Government will consider any schemes or suggestions' put forward by the Council on their respective individual merits. The Council is a medium for consultation and co-operation between the individual sports bodies for mutual welfare. It has no right of interference in the domestic affairs of any sport, but proceeds by co-operation among its members for the common good of all sports. Community Centres Since the passing of the Act the term " community centre " has come much into fashion, especially during the past two years. Examples of other countries, especially the United States of America, are quoted, but in this field New Zealand has to work out its own policy in accordance with its own conditions, which are importantly different from those in America or in Great Britain, where the community centre movement was spreading before

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