Wanganui Calling!

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 70, 15 December 1933, Page 19 (Supplement)

Wanganui Calling!

Calling, Calling HULLO! HULLO!

Here’s Good News For You

WANGANUI WAITS TO WELCOME YOU

0F all the points of tourist interest in the Dominion, Wanganui offers perhaps the greatest variety of attractions. An indulgent Nature has equipped the River City in sueh a way as to disclose almost a meticulous regard for the most exacting tastes among holiday-makers. For the lone cyclist or the family on annual holiday; for the caravan-dweller, the' nature-lover, the tramper, the motorist, the artist, the scholar, the boating enthusiast — eanoe-paddler, rower, out-board and. motor-boat thriller—every need is catered for. Perhaps the most noticeable feature, and probably the most striking, that commends itself to the visitor is the wealth of magnificent flowers, shrubs, and well-kept lawns that enhance the homes in the residential areas. There is a devotion to the language of flow- , ers here that is exhilarating and indicative of a pride in citizenship. The work of the Beautifying Society has greatly benefited the parks, avenues, parades, playing grounds, and, indeed, the commercial centre of the city itself. Montoa Gardens, situated peculiarly enough amid the sombre environs of the Court House buildings, is one of the most exquisite spots in the city. The grounds are laid out in plots or sanctuaries, no two being alike in design or colour; the designs are - unusual, if not exclusive, each with its individual expression and taste in declaration of hue. The whole ensemble suggested a glamorous confusion of colour. Running down the slopes of the gardens to the river bank are carpets of rich lawns, while the i

outskirts are fringed with native trees, of rich foliage. Virginia Lake. Within comfortable distance of the Post Ofliee is Virginia Lake, one of the most picturesque attractions of Wanganui. The walk to the lake is an ideal one, running as it does through the city’s chief thoroughfare— The Avenue—and winding its way up St. John’s Hill, past many homes with their charming environs. The lake has a history that is not devoid of romance and is a splendid illustration of -what a little will accomplish when it is carried out with good taste. Originally the Lak,? was a reservoir, and, except for a suspicion of nati.e fauna, it was a reserve of little or no- import from a scenic viewpoint. However, the Beautifying Society saw its possibilities as a beauty spot and, by progressive effort, eventually made of the lake and is environs one of the senior adjuncts to the scenic attractions of the city. - Elevated as it is from the city proper, Virginia Lake has an advantage that is unique. From any point of the reserve, given a reasonably fine day, the visitor may view the towering majesty of Tongariro, also Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, while standing well out to the west, isolated and serene, is Egmont in all its magnificence. A Remarkable View. Probably one of the most remarkable views in the Dominion is that to ; be obtained from the top of the War i Memorial tower situated on the brow, I of Durie Hill, which is a few minutes’ '

By SEASIDE or RIVERSIDE. SWIMMING, TENNIS, BOWLS, Etc

! stroll from the heart of the city. The tower rises some -100 feet above sea level, and may be reached from the fiat by elevator. There is not another city or town in New Zealand that can ■. boast such an extraordinary advantage. Tlie view is comprehensive in its outlook and amazing in its detail. Spread out on all sides as far as the eye can see is a wonderful panorama of endless stretches of fertile country with rich green hills rolling away to the north and to the south. At the visitor’s feet lies the city of Wanganui with its river, the bridges, the busy commercial centres and the wide treeflanked streets and residential areas with their wealth of beautiful gardens and expanse of green lawns; directly south is the South Island with the Kaikoiiras standing well up in to the sky, while away to the north Tongariro. Ruapehu, Egmont, and Ngauruhoe copiplete an enthralling picture; The sight lias few equals of its kind. It is one of the principal attractions of Wanganui, and has evoked the unstinted admiration of thousands of visitors to the River City. Gallery and Museum. The Sargeant Gallery and Alexander Museum stand as monuments to the benefactors whose names they bear. Inside their walls are displayed treasures of art and antiquity, all of which go to make up a notable and educational collection. There is no lack of £ recreation grounds about Wanganui proper; Cook’s Gardens is in the centre of the town and is used for summer and winter sports. Then there are Sprig-

gens’ Park, Victoria Park, Peat Park, Gonville Park and Montoa Gardens —• the last-named within three minutes of the Post Office. The Wanganui Jockey Club’s grounds are an attraction, while the grounds of the Collegiate School are always the subject of admiration with visitors to the city. Bathing Facilities. Wanganui is richly served in the way of bathing facilities. In the eity there are some nine swimming baths while the beach at Castlecliff whieb is really a children's paradise, is probably the most popular in the district. Visiting lady motorists will find in the Ladies’ Rest Room situated adjacent to the Town Hall a handsome building admirably suited to the attention and care of children. The Manageress resides oil the premises and is in attendance during the day and evening. Excellent camping facilities are available at Aramoho Park. s<aiie four miles and a half from the city. The park has an area of four acres, and enjoys great popularity with visitors from all points. It is ideally situated, and is considered one of the most up-to-date of the kind in the Dominion. Xai Iwi beach also has its attractions. The beacli is spme twenty minutes’ run from the city, and is in great favour with motorists. It is a delightful spot both for bathing and camping.