Coast Weather And Tourists

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30629, 21 December 1964, Page 1

Coast Weather And Tourists

(From Our Own Reporter) greymouth, December 20. That all South Island provinces should pull together in promoting the tourist trade and not try to pit one area against another is the opinion of the Mayor of Greymouth, Mr F. W. Baillie. He was commenting on a statement made in Christchurch last week by the president of the Canterbury Pro-

gress League (Mr H. H. Deans) that tourist spots on that side of the alps should be developed to attract people while they waited for the weather to clear on the Coast.

‘•While we on the West Coast must concede that we have much more rain than Canterbury, the dry periods and droughts very often react to the detriment of . that province. Everything becomes drv and parched, which retards growth and greatly affects the farming community, the market, and home gardens,” said Mr Baillie. “On the other hand, the West Coast is always green, and the growth luscious be-

cause of our rainfall. Canterbury could well do with some of this.

“We appreciate Mr Deans’s advocating tha. the tourists remain in Canterbury to view the scenic attractions which are offered there as he would not be a loyal Cantabrian if he did not do so. “But as I am a loyal West Coaster I would like to ask Mr Deans what he has to offer that can compare with this district. They have not the magnificent scenery of native forests which abound everywhere here, lakes with bush right down to the water’s edge, and which abound with fish and are a paradise for fishermen.

“Glaciers, the access to which is the easiest in the world, are another feature driving by car in between and around snow clad mountains, and visits to many places of historic’ interest are unique trips here.

“An instance is a visit to the gold fields Or a day out panning for gold. “When the Haast road is open tourists must come to the West Coast, and no doubt Christchurch will benefit on the tourists’ round trips. “I feel we should all aspire to help the South Island as a whole, and not one district in particular,” concluded Mr Baillie.