SUMMER-TIME IN WANGANUI

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 19

SUMMER-TIME IN WANGANUI

CHARM OF RIVER CITY

SUApi ER-TIME in Wanganui is a holiday delightful, and no motor tour of New Zealand would be complete if this charming River City in the North Island were 'not included. The city and its environs can provide an almost endless variety of sport, recreation or relaxation—whatever the visitor desires. Attractions abound, each and all expressive of the many ways in.which real enjoyment or peaceful pleasures can be attained with the least troublesome effort. The Wanganui River ij, famous the world over for its scenic beauty, and the unparalleled grandeur of this great scenic waterway acts as a magnet to hundreds of visitors each year. During the summer months its upper reaches are well-served by regular steamer services from Wanganui, and a week-end stay at delightful and pic-

turesque I'ipiriki House leaves a lasting and pleasing impression. Moonlight river excursions on Sundays and holidays were introduced a few years ago, and have been extremely popular ever since. ART AND SPORT The city itself has civic amenities and appointments second to none _ in New Zealand. Its magnificent civic centre, on the gentle, grassy slopes of •Pukenamu Hill, famous in the early days for its Rutland Stockade, contains three of the best-equipped buildings of their kind in the southern hemisphere. The Alexander Library, the Sarjeant Gallery, where the Empire loan collection of art treasures was recently on exhibition, and the Alexander Museum provide a source of never-ending interest to visitors. A visit to the museum will testify to the abundance of Maori life in the district in the past. All three buildings wer e gifts to the

city, and are within almost a stone throw of Victoria Avenue, the main business centre.

For those who desire sport —tennis, cricket, golf, bowling, fishing, croquet, swimming, surfing, speed-boat racing, canoeing, sailing—'Wanganui is liberal with her grounds and facilities. A number of important national sporting events are to be held in Wanganui next year, and include the Dominion croquet tournament, opening on January 18, the New Zealand championship regatta, to be rowed 0.. the Wanganui River on Easter Saturday, and the New Zealand provincial eights championship on Easter Monday. RIVER CITY'S BEAUTY.

A run through the city reveals some charming localities, where native trees and shrubs lend beautj’ and romance to pmasing surroundings. Rasmussens’ nurseries at Aramoho are known throughout New Zealand, and are well worth- visiting. The city gardens under

the lee of St. John’s Hill also contain a wealth of beauty, and are greatly admired by visitors. Campers and automobile association members will find much comfort at Aramoho Park, which the Wanganui City Council has enlarged and improved at considerable expense. Cabin type accommodation is available, and the camp has every modern convenience. It is located in charming sur roundings on the bank of the river, and within easy reach of the city. Fo: those who prefer being near the sea. the motor camp at Castleeliffi affords every opportunity for surf bathing ami pleasant walks along a fine, sandy beach.

One of’ the most charming and picturesque of Wanganui’s attractions LVirginia Lake Reserve, on St. John’s Hill. Unusual scenery, shady paths winding through groves of native shrubs nnd trees, still waters mirroring luxuriant, verdant slopes of the lake-side, water lilies, flowers and birds —the reserve is one of the- most refreshing and dignified of New Zealand’s natural beauty spots.