The Progressive Touring Centre of the North Island!

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 25

The Progressive Touring Centre of the North Island!

TAIHAPE

THIS is the second occasion upon which “The Dominion'’ has devoted a special page to make Taihape’s attractions better known. Taihape’s progressiveness is indicative of the enterprise and spirit of the business community, and this charming and picturesque Main Trunk town, a centre of rich agricultural and pastoral lands has much to offer. Its people are progressive and industrious, and their hospitality is known throughout the land. Taihape has aptly been described as “The TouringCentre of the North Island,” and it is for this reason that its pleasant and restful localities are increasing in popularity each year.

TAIHAPE'S geographical position in the North Island, with Wellington 162 miles to the south and Auckland 265 miles to the north, makes it an ideal stopping-place for motorists using the main arterial highway. .Situated more than 1500 feet above sea-level, the town and district enjoy a delightfully invigorating climate and offer much to passing motorists who decide to stop and spend a few days. The town itself is modern and well laid out. Its shops at the present time are gaily decorated with Christmas stocks and its business people are courteous and obliging. Modern, well-lighted windows and artistic interior furnishings have been used to enhance the attractiveness of many premises, and a Christinas shopping tour in Taihape has a charm and an atmosphere which instantly appeals. Taihape is within easy reach of the Wanganui, Manawatu, Rangitikei, and Ohakune districts. Marton is approximately 50 miles away by a direct allweather road, Ohakune about 35, Wanganui 73, Palmerston North 71, and Raetihi 45. There is also an alternative clay road of about 100 miles direct to Napier, thus eliminating much of the mileage between Taihape and Hawke’s Bay towns. Touring motorists will find Taihape well appointed and equipped with every facility. If on their way to The Chateau, National Park, the route via Taihape will offer charming and delightful scenery. The accommodation at the two licensed hotels in Taihape is excellent, and there are several well-ap-pointed boarding-houses. The Gretna

Hotel has made rapid progress within the last few years and extensive alterations have been made. It contains 54 rooms and a large lounge which is lavishly furnished. The Gretna is now recognised as one of the leading country hotels in New Zealand. The New Taihape Hotel is another hostelry which fin'ds favour with travellers and tourists visiting Taihape. It offers comfort and hospitality which are typical of Taihape and district and is well worth visiting. It is interesting to note that Taihape is the last “licensed” town before entering the Rohi Potae, or King Country. in which the sale of liquor is prohibited. The King Country, incidentally, has been “dry” since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Coming from the north, after passing through 150 miles of prohibited territory, Taihape is “just over the border,” a factor which led to the apt na'ming of the Gretna Hotel. Those responsible for the town-plan-ning were men of vision and enter-

prise. One boundary is formed by the Hautapu River, an excellent trout stream which is bordered by beautiful native bush. Paths have been formed to give access to some of the most charming scenic reserves in the Dominion. With this beautiful stretch of native bush creating a lovely background, and within a minute’s walk from the centre of the town, is the Domain, or recreation ground, where spacious areas are set aside for Rugby, hockey, and cricket. Athletic sports and the annual agricultural and pastoral show are also held in this locality. Facing the ground is a grandstand with sealing capacity for about 600 people. These recreation grounds are equipped also with tennis courts, croquet and bowling greens, municipal swimming baths, and a paddling pool for children. A warm welcome is always extended to visitors.

The Taihape Public Hospital, with the nurses’ home nearby, is less than five minutes’ walk from the main street and is situated on a pretty rise over-

looking the town. The hospital is under the control of the Wanganui Hospital Board lin'd is regarded as one of tlie best-equipped and serviced institutions of its kind. Municipal services other than those under the control of the engineering department, include the town hall, a good library, an efficient fire brigade, a rest room for women and children, a popular brass band, and a motor camp. This motor camp, incidentally, was completed last year at a cost of nearly £BOO. Tourists will find it a most delightful spot. Located in a bend of the Hautapu River near the northern entrance to the town and fringed with beautiful native forest of the scenic reserve, it would be difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for a camp site. Municipal water, drainage, electric light, modern camp fireplaces, cooking shelter, cold showers, and several other appointments have been added for the comfort of the traveller. The 'demand for space is increasing each year, and the camp is becoming extremely popular with New Zealanders who spend their Christmas vacation in the open air. The Hautapu, Rangitikei, and Moawhango Rivers are all good trout streams and are within easy reach of Taihape. The most distant, in fact, is less than half an hour’s drive. The Taihape district, also contains many interesting motor drives and some of the scenery is indescribably beautiful. Visitors are welcome on the tennis courts and bowling greens and croquet greens, and practically every type of sporf. is catered for in tlie 'district.