TO BE FLOODLIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 257, 30 October 1935, Page 11

TO BE FLOODLIT.

GEYSERS AT WHAKA.

ATTRACTIONS FOR TOURISTS. IMPROVEMENT TO PAS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, this day. That the floodlighting of the Wliakarewarcwa thermal region would create an attraction unique in the southern hemisphere, was a suggestion made by the Mayor of Rotorua, Mr. T. Jackson, during a deputation wlilch waited on Mr. L. J. Schmitt, general manager of the Tourist Department, on his first official visit to this district yesterday.

Mr. Jackson pointed out that it had frequently been said that Rotorua had nothing to offer tourists in the way of entertainment at night, but lie con-

sidered that by floodlighting the thermal area at Whakarewarewa the spectacular effect created by the geysers and steam would provide an attraction unequalled throughout the world. Much was heard of the famous coloured fountain on Beverley Hills, Hollywood, but the natural effect of the illuminated thermal area would prove even a greater attraction.

Mr. Schmitt agreed that the suggestion was certainly a good one, and stated that he would investigate the possibilities of it being carried into effect.

Mr. Jackson also made representations towards the monetary assistance of the Department in the beautifying of both the Whakarewarewa and Ohincmutu pas. He considered that the Department should accept a greater responsibility for this work than it did at present, and said that the entire burden of continuing improvement works in the two pas was beyond the resources of the borough. "I look forward to the day when the Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu villages will be real Maori villages In appearance," stated Mr. Schmitt in reply. "When 1 1 arrived in Auckland recently from Australia I went to see the Orakei pa and regretted to find that it was not a real Maori village. I hope to see the time when outwardly the houses in both the Rotorua pas will bo of Maori design, while at the same time providing ordinary modern amenities for the natives. Since I last saw them six years ago I have noted a decided improvement in their appearance, and realise that the council has done good work in this direction. Preparation of an estimate for the rebuilding of the pas is at present being made, but I understand this estimate is not yet completed. Regarding the request for an additional grant Mr. Schmitt stated that lie regretted that no provision had been made in this year's estimates for such expenditure, and he doubted if the money could be secured from any other source. However, he would endeavour to see that some such provision was made in future years.