MOTORING CAMP

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 10476, 5 January 1928, Page 5

MOTORING CAMP

THE WAIKANAE BEACH SITE

FURTHER REPLY TO MR LAN

OUSTER

The controversy regarding the -motorists' camping site at w autanae beach received, another filip yesterday by the publication of Mr F. T. Lancaster’s letter in which he stated that the remarks he had previously made were' justified, -and fie would nave Irked to meet some of:tire gentle men who had criticised those statements. Mr Lancaster also- stated that he endeavoured lor four days to- get to those- responsible. . . ' : - These.; statements were replied to yesterday by Mr F, Tplertop, chairman, oj the Poverty. Bay. branch of the A.A.A., and ;».lr G... Craws haw, acting secretary."' These gentlemen stated that, it would perhaps clarify matters if the position or tue local 'branch ol trie Auckland Automobile Association whs made known. All-arrangements in regard to the camping site were made by the local branch of the A.A.A., and. were made for members of the association or kindred associations only. That- was, as far as the local branch was concerned. The Wailcanae Beach-Society -no- doubt were agreeable to • all motorists camping there, and of course the association had no objection. Mr Lancaster’s statement- that- for four days he had endeavoured' .to, get- in touch with those responsible was rather peculiar. Every member of-the A.A.A. and all affiliated associations throughout the North Island knew where to .find the secretary of the- local branch, for the information was given on every list and every map issued by all associations affiliated to the North Island (X.Z.) Motor. Union, It appeared strange that- if Mr Lancaster was a member he did not know that fact. Proof that- the address of the secretary is generally known could be gathered from the fact, that during the past fortnight a. large number of motorists had called to make inquiries, and ten or twelve members? tickets had been sold.

As to the charge of 2s 6d per day referred to by Mr Lancaster, continued the officials that- tee was laid down by the Waikanae Beach Society unknown to the association. During the past, ten days over forty visiting motorists had camped on the beach; there being sixteen .on one day. All, with the- exception of Mr Lancaster, deeply, appreciated the site, a!nd there was not a-murmur against- the charge of 2s 6d a day, or the maximum. of 10 shillings a week. For that , sum . the visiting motorists secured, for their party the free use of the bathing pavilion, jhe free use of the tennis courts when not otherwise engaged, and also, had the privilege, of leaving .all valuables etc,, jn charge of the caretaker, when the visitors were absent- from their tents. The visitors, were thus treated better than the local residents, who had to pay threepence each for the use of the pavilion, and sixpence each for half an hour’s, play on the tennis courts. Tt -would thus he seen that for the 2s 6d a day the campers were on a good wicket. Visitors from several parts of the North Island had expressed their appreciation of the good work done by the A.A.A. branch, and stated, freely that considering the ; project was merely in its initial stage, the facilities were excellent. Several opinions were expressed that the Waikanae beach was’a great asset-., to Gisborne, and the time would come—and that before long—when visiting motorists from all parts of New -Zealand would be found camping there. The local branch of the A.A.A. 'is taking a very keen interest in the matter of camping and % next summer it js hoped that tlie Waikanae beach will be one of the most up-to-date sites in the Dominion. Gas heaters needed to be .installed and also electric, light anct-these and other matters were now under consideration.' Motor touring had come to stav and-the Association recognised this fact and hoped in time to make? the Waikanae beach site equal to any in X<?w Zealand.