SOUTH ISLAND GUIDE BOOKS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28104, 20 October 1956, Page 12

SOUTH ISLAND GUIDE BOOKS

94,500 PRODUCED LAST YEAR

Last year. 94.500 guide books were produced through the agency of the South Island Publicity Association.

The retiring president (Sir Ernest I Andrews) told the annual meeting of the association in Christchurch yes--1 f erday that 42.100 had been distributed free to members and overseas, and that the balance was sold or held for sale or distribution. “Great as the number is. it does not meet the demand and requests are being constantly received from Britain. America, and other overseas countries for increased numbers for their tourist agencies from travel agents, shipping companies, libraries, and other institutions interested in New Zealand and its attractions.” said Sir Ernest Andrews. “From time to time our critics and rivals claim that we spend but a small proportion of our funds on nublicitv because our balance sheet shows a comparatively small amount.” he said “While we issue free to our members ‘Journeys’ and ‘Newsletter’ to the number of 7000 each, our main source of publicity is the guide books. “These guide books have been pub’ished over a period of more than 9 0 years without cost to the association except for distribution, wrapping, and nosta CT e “They have been produced on a win-or-lose basis by a publishing firm, and while we have no access or right of access to the firm’s figures we do Vnow that the nrofit on the total publication is small, but this firm is intensely interested in our association and in the welfare of the South T sland. and in its publicity. We owe it a debt of gratitude for its great assistance to our programme.” During the year, the association secured 420 new members and there were 108 cancellations of membership Revenue received from local bodies was £1167 and from private members £1726 There was a surplus in the amounts for the vear of £266