THE IDEA OF THE TRAVEL CLUB

Evening Post, Issue 12, 14 July 1936, Page 8

THE IDEA OF THE TRAVEL CLUB

With ihc restoration of a certain measure of prosperity and a progressive improvement in the means of transport more people are travelling nowadays than a few years ago and the upward movement in^ numbers is likely to increase- Beyond these largely ..economic reasons for tlie expansion, in passenger traffic over' land and sea there is ' the growth in what might be called the cult of travel, a distinct feature of the age. This natural desire to see the world, as far as time and money will allow, has been greatly fostered by elaborate organisations in various countries for the encouragement of the tourist and the traveller to sojourn for a time wilhin''their borders. The value of these visits is mutual and this is officially recognised today almost everywhere in the world. But Beyond what is officially done to facilitate the movements of the visitor about the country and relieve him of much of the worry of travel there is ample scope for individuals in the community to play their part in making the visitor at home: This has led to the co-ordination of such effort in travel clubs which have proved very successful whenever established. New Zealand, which has so much in the way of natural beauty to offer-to the visitor from overseas, as well as to its own citizens, should be an excellent field for the travel club, and we are glad to'note that Wellington, as the capital and principal port of the Dominion, has now successfully inaugurated its own travel club. The official opening last night gave the opportunity for the Mayor and Cabinet Ministers concerned to point out the objects and benefits of the movement, which should do much, a* Mr. Hislop put it, "to extend the spirit of good friendliness to all people who come here." The definition is a wide'one and may be applied to the reception of those who come to .settle in our midst, as we trust it will.