TOURIST ROUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 230, 28 September 1929, Page 7

TOURIST ROUTE.

THROUGH THERMAL AREA. ; . I PUBUCITY OFFICE'S WORK. NEW MINISTER ENTHUSIASTIC. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent./ TAUMAR.UNUI, this day. "There will be a great main tourist route right through the heart of the most remarkable thermal district in the world, with accommodation to supply all average demands," said the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle, in an interview to-day. The Minister has recently taken charge of the Tourist Department, . and he is enthusiastic about its work and its possibilities. The Minister said Taumarunui, which, really, from a tourist standpoint, was at the head of the Wanganui River, was receiving greater consideration than in the past by the Government Publicity Department. This 'was his first official,visit,to the town. Since his arrival he had had a good opportunity of looking round the district. He had to confess that he was surprised at its growth. Only a short time ago Taumarunui was a bush settlement; to-day, it was a thriving town with a future before it that must be recognised. Before leaving Wellington, said the Minister, he asked the officer in charge of the Publicity .Department as to the position of Taumarunui in the scheme of publicity by the Government. "The reply I received," said the Minister, "was that Taumarunui linked up with, the beautiful Wanganui River, quite apart from the town's scenic attractions, and that in the coming summer months additional films and photographs would be taken. You have in Taumarunui, so.me go-ahead'citizens, and, , from interviews I have had with the members of deputations from the town, your end of the stick, apart from what I am doing myself, is being well kept up." Keeping Up-to-date. ; Speaking of the value of keeping the Dominion's attractions before the public Mr. Perrelle said he had only just taken over the administration of the Publicity Department, and he proposed to have a conference \yith all interests concerned. There was great scope for placing our wares and attractions before overseas visitors. People outside the Dominion wanted to know what we had to offer. It was the desire of the Government to show them, and to assist in every way possible to make up itineraries for visitors, and to study their likings in every way. "From reports furnished to me,". said Mr. Perrells, "the photographic work ot the Department comes in for a good many encomiums. One of the most important things with regard to - th'e camera work of the Department is to see that it is kept thoroughly up-to-date. What might be termed the skyline of our towns and cities for instance is constantly changing as new and modern buildings take the place of original structures. -The main cities, particularly, are altering at such a rate that pictures taken of main streets this month will appear totally changed in appearance a few months hence. Advertising Tongariro. "This phase of publicity is particularly valuable as affording people from overseas an adequate idea of the rapid progress and importance of the various centres. For Instance, the erection of a fine chateau at Tongariro in the National Park .is being fully stressed bv the Department, as a means of developing great tourist traffic, whicl] would find natural means of access up the Wanganui River, including Taumarunui, and bringing increased prosperity in its train. It is not difficult to visualise what this will all niean ir the near future to the districts concerned which, as I said before, have goods tc offer. There will be a great mail tourist route right Ihrough the hean of the most remarkable thermal regioi in the world, with accommodation t< satisfy all average demands. Tau marunui will, of course, greatly benefri by the proposals mentioned. "I think we can safely say New Zea land is marching with other countrie. , in mentioning its wares."