HELPING TOURISTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 304, 24 December 1929, Page 11

HELPING TOURISTS.

CROSSING TASMAN SEA. PUBLICITY OFFICER ARRIVES INNOVATION BY DEPARTMENT. "This is the first time the New Zealand Government Publicity and Tourist Department have had a representative on an intercolonial steamer running between Sydney and Auckland, although an officer has made one trip between Sydney and Wellington," said Mr. W. p. Barnett, who is attached to the New Zealand Government Offices in Sydney. Mr. Barnett came over on the Ulimaroa, which arrived with close on 400 passengers this morning. "This trip has been a most successful one, and evidently the institution of the' service has been appreciated," he said, "I have booked many people on board for various New Zealand tours. Descriptive literature and information was given, arid itineraries prepared and accommodation reserved on request. For the first day and a half out there were not many people about; but Stlnday and yesterday I was inundated with requests and inquiries. In addition to many overseas passengers there were some 50 school teachers travelling, and many were the expressions of appreciation at the convenience supplied by the New Zealand Government in having a representative of the Tourist Department on board the vessel." In reply to questions Mr. Barnett said there were indications that New Zealand would capture a great amount of the Australian tourist traffic. "The economic position over on the other side of the Tasman is not too good," he said, "and people are not inclined to travel too far away. New Zealand is quite handy, and that, in the main, is the reason why the Dominion is getting a larger share this year." Mr. Barnett, who is at the Boyal Hotel, will remain in New Zealand over the holidays.