LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27795, 21 October 1955, Page 14

LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY

CARAVAN AND CAMPING PLANS If the weather is fine, it seems that most holiday-makers intend to spend the labour Day week-end out of doors. Advance forecasts indicate that the weather will be fair to fine on Saturday and Sunday, but may be unsettled on Monday. Motor traffic seems likely to be a record, and the Transport Department and local traffic staff in all districts have appealed for extra care, as this week-end is usually one of the worst for accidents. The clearest indication that hundreds intend to stay in the open comes from sales of caravans, camping equipment, and accessories. Business normally begins to pick up at this time of the year, but the rush this week for goods to be ready by the week-end shows that Labour Day is generally acknowledged as the opening of the season. Caravan builders have had a steady demand through the winter for vehicles to be ready this month. Home craftsmen making their own have been seen in many backyards. Retailers of fittings say that business is better than ever befoTe.

A new development this year is the popularity of boating. Many motorists have bought racks for their car roofs to take light dinghies, and others have had trailers adapted to take somewhat larger craft. There have been exceptional sales of outboard motors. From all reports it seems that most caravan and camping parties will not go much further than 50 miles from home. They regard Labour Day weekend as a trial period when gear can be tested for longer summer vacations. Short trips give time for adjustments and also rest in the threeday break. The Canterbury Caravan Club, which has experienced members, will go no further than the Sheffield Domain, where about 40 parties are expected to rally this week-end. The motor samps of the Automobile Association (Canterbury) are booked out, and there have been many inquiries for touring information. The popularity of touring is also shown by the continued increase in the association’s membership for whom special facilities are available. Last evening the council elected 916 new members—probably a record for one meeting. Trains and buses have heavy reservations, the National Airways Corporation is running extra flights throughout the week-end, but has had to refuse bookings, and the steamer-express service will have only cancellations available for tonight and Monday night, though the passenger list is lighter on Saturday.