TOURISTS FOR SOUTH ISLAND

Evening Star, Issue 22802, 10 November 1937, Page 1

TOURISTS FOR SOUTH ISLAND

A FAMILIAR COMPLAINT EIGHT CRUISE SHIPS COMING SOUTH THIS . SEASON [From Ocr Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, November 9. Until the Chairman of Committees called them to order with the declaration that they must discuss items on the Estimates, and not the beautiful scenery of the South Island, members voiced the familiar complaint during consideration of the Tourist Estimates in the House to-night that the South Island is not getting adequate attention. Mr Holyoake (Motueka) suggested that more consideration be paid the South Island when arranging the itineraries for tourists, and particularly for distinguished visitors. The South Island was usually left out, and his district, though it had the sunshine record and fine scenery, was always missed. Attention seemed to be centred on Rotorua, and the visitors went away with the idea that New Zealand was “ the Ifehivery isles,” always on the quiver. Mr Atmore (Nelson) supported his colleague, remarking that Rotorua was undoubtedly weird, but for sheer beauty one should go south. As an impartial Wellingtonian, Mr M'Keen advised that visitors should not be given the impression that we were at sixes and sevens regarding the Dominion’s attractions. His experience was that the tourist officers were fair in their descriptions of the various attractions, wherever situated.

“ These Estimates have not once been mentioned since the Minister took the chair,” declared Mr Howard, Chairman of Committees, who called members to order. “I am going to keep you to. the Estimates, not beautifiil scenery,” ho announced.

' Mr Hargest (Awarua) found a good opening when he mentioned the £3,500 vote for advertising and posters, adding that ho did not think any responsible officer discriminated against the South Island. Ho did, however, have the experience of an American lady who last year inquired in Auckland about a southern tour, and was told it was too far away, and should would not have tho time. Mr Howard: That is not on the Estimates.

Mr Langstone, Minister in Charge of Tourists and Publicity, was given the opportunity to reply. “ This question of south versus north is absolutely untrue,” he declared. Officers were not permitted to tout or give preference to any attraction, and so far as publicity was concerned, his department did more for the South Island than the North, getting out special hookets and publications regarding the South Island, a thing they did not do for the North. Ho would say that the grandeur of the scenic beauties of the South Island was just as great as that of the North. The Chairman; It is not on the Estimates.

The Minister stated that 45 per cent, of the tourists who booked through the department did go to tho South island, hut they could not help the North Island being the closest to Australia and America. Through ships came to Auckland, their tourists going through tho North Island and catching the boat at Wellington to go away. This was unavoidable, hut it was totally wrong to think there was any bias against the South Island, because the real position was that special care was given to give it publicity.

When the Minister subsequently mentioned that 12j and possibly 13, cruise ships were visiting Now Zealand this searan, Mr Burnett (Temuka) queried: Will any visit the South Island?

“ Yes,” Mr Langstone replied, “ eight of them.’-’