THE EXCURSION TO TIMARU.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14307, 19 March 1912, Page 6

THE EXCURSION TO TIMARU.

Despite tho unfavourable weather yesterday, tho visit to Timaru of the Mayor and Councillors of Christchureh, accompanied by a considerable number of citizens, proved a very pleasant experienco for tboeo who took part in it. Tho g-ueste of tho Mayor and Borough Council wcro very hospitably received, and came away very much impressed with the progress which Timaru has mado during the last ten years. It lias great advantages in tho matter of climate and situation, making it a very enjoyable place of residence, nnd its public-spirited citizens are to T>o congratulated on tho result of their efforts to add to its Carolino Bay is, of course, tho chief asset of tho town from tho holidaymaker's point of view, but the Public Gardens will hold their own with any in New Zoaland. Even the Sanatorium grounds at Rotonia, with all the Government money which has been spent upon thorn, do not make a braver show. Tho position of Timaru as tho centre of a rich agricultural d'strict has enabled it to make very material progress, and it is suro to expand still more in the future. That its inhabitants are not wholly absorbed in material pursuits, moreover, is ehown not only by the taste and application shown in beautifying the town, but still more from the fact that in St. Mary's (Anglican) Church and tho Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, it possesses what are probably the two most beautiful churches in New Zealand. Thero is one point about die South Canterbury." capital wliich is worthy of note, and may bo paid the compliment of imitation elsewhere. Its civic authorities and leading cfti?ons evidently believe in the valuo of publicity. The Moyor of Christclmrcii mentioned that not only in varicxis parts of New Zealand, but even in tho vestibules of Australian hotels he had seen the beauties of Caroline Bay set forth in pictorial advertisements,' and that these had had the natural result of causing enquiries to bo made about tho place. It is possible for a town or residential resort to bo too modest and retiring about its own attractions. Jt is a question whether such coyness does not show a spirit of selfishness on the part of tho residents, who may be accused of a desiro to keep all the good things to themselves. It certainly is not business enterprise, as it is understood iij these bustling days, and we arc filad the peoplo of Timaru realise this fact. "Wo hope thatat.no distant date the visit to Timaru by ropresent.itive citizens of Christchureh will be returned, when wo are sure that visitors from the Southern town will be heartily welcomed in the Cathedral City. Such opportunities for a better mutual understanding cannot fail to have a good effect.