THE NATIONAL PARK CEREMONY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 40, 16 February 1929, Page 8

THE NATIONAL PARK CEREMONY.

The only blot on to-day's interesting ceremony at the National Park is the name of the hostel of which the foundation-stone was laid. "Chateau Tongariro" is as unfortunate as the attempt to fasten on the Waitakeres the name '"Blue Mountains." •"Chateau*' goes admirably with the French "Frontenac," but hardly with the Maori Tongariro. It is not at all likely, however, that inappropriate name will affect the fortunes of this important enterprise. It is twenty years since, for New Zealanders in general, the opening of the Main Trunk line for traffic lifted the veil of mystery from the Ruapehu country, but only in the last few years has the area become popular as a playground. This popularity is largely due to the work of the Board in opening up this magnificent national possession. The Board decided to give private enterprise an opportunity to provide accommodation for the public, and the Chateau Tongariro is the result. This is an extension of the policy displayed in transfercing the Hermitage at Mount Cook from State to private management, and if it proves a success it is probable that other resorts will be treated in the same way. The greater significance of to-day's ceremony is that it marks an important stage in opening up a playground of priceless value. Only a very tiny section of the population knows the delights of the National Park, but as the years pass visitors there will be numbered in thousands where they are now counted in tens. Especially is it of value to the people of this eity, as a contrast to our coastal and sometimes enervating climate. The enterprise of the company that has the park concession will enable visitors to enjoy in the wilds the comforts of a good hotel, which, of course, will draw many to the park. Care must always be taken, however, that, as is now being done by the Company, in continuation of the Board's policy, the many whose purses are lighter and whose tastes are simpler, shall be catered for. In other words, amid the demand for hotel accommodation the camper who wishes to live in huts or pitch a tent reasonably must not be neglected. The National Park should be a people's playground in the widest sense of the term.