TOURISTS IN N.Z. A “NUISANCE”

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27912, 8 March 1956, Page 10

TOURISTS IN N.Z. A “NUISANCE”

CANADIAN VISITORS’ IMPRESSIONS New Zealanders do not seem to realise the potentialities of their country, nor grasp their blessings in material things, according to two Canadians who visited New Zealand recently. Writing to "The Press," Mr and Mrs J. A. Hess, of Montreal. Canada, said that after touring the Dominion they received the impression that New Zealanders were not interested in tourists, and that in fact they think them a nuisance. “That attitude doesn’t help the progress of a country, but perhaps the New Zealander is self-sufficient,’’ they said. “One has that impression although it is never expressed. Surely New Zealand is not a country without vision.’’ Mr and Mrs Hess described the people they met here as “gentle, courteous and honest.’’ They said they seldom had to lock a door in any i hotel. Other things that impressed; them were the cleanliness, the climate I (which they said was ideal), and the profusion of flowers. “Hotel accommodation was a disap- | pointment to us. also the hours for | meals. These latter were short, and : if even two minutes late you were | not served. That is difficult if one is sightseeing. Hotel rates are most: reasonable, but managers are restricted by Government control to charge according to the service rendered. That is not a healthy condition. Highways are poor in many parts, but it is a young country, so must be given time to improve.’’ they said.