The Hawera Star. MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1924. ADVERTISING NEW ZEALAND.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 August 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 1924. ADVERTISING NEW ZEALAND.

Delivered every evening by 6 o’clock in Hawera, Manaia. N^rmanby. Okaiawa, Eltham, Fatett, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Ohangai, Meremere, Fraser Hoad, and Otakeno Manutabi, Alton, Burleyville, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake,

New Zealanders will be glad to note that there are signs that the advertising of the Dominion in other parts of the Empire and in foreign countries is being taken up in a more comprehensive way than hitherto, and much more information is being sent abroad concerning the country and’its attractions. The annual report of the Department of Tourist and Health Resorts states that the past financial year has been one of the most successful and busiest seasons in the history of the Department. It has often been said by visitors that New Zealand is not advertised abroad as it should be, and that our people do not make nearly enough of the wonderful tourist attractions which this country possesses. Not long ago two American visitors told us that they had never heard of Mount Egmont, and they could not understand why our people did not make the country better known in overseas countries. So frequently have similar statements been made that the Government now has a Publicity Department, and we believe that it is bringing very good results through its activities. The New Zealand exhibits at the Wembley Exhibition have given an opportunity of showing the thousands of visitors what this country produces, and no doubt as a result the Dominion will benefit, and people will be encouraged to come here. • There is, however, plenty of room for a vast increase in tourist traffic, and we believe that by properly advertising our attractions a. great deal can be done to bring visitors to our shores. The council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce has taken the matter up, and last week submitted a lengthy report, in which it made the following recommendations:

1. That it be a recommendation to the Government that the present Publicity Office be strengthened and adequately financed, and that the development of tourist traffic and Dominion publicity be made matters for its immediate concern. 2. That it be a recommendation to the Government that a sum of £IOO,OOO per year should be allotted for this purpose. 3. That for the purpose of providing the necessary funds this charm ber pledges itself not to oppose the retention for a reasonable period of the primage duty of 1 per cent, now being imposed. The committee further recommended that a large and representative deputation be arranged to wait upon tlie Prime Minister to ask him to form a Publicity and Tourist Development Board on the lines suggested. Such interest on {the part of the business community tfnust prove helpful to the Government, and it is to be hoped that the movement will lead to a countrywide endeavour to make New Zealand and her attractions better known throughout the world and encourage people in increasing numbers to visit the islands whose scenic beauties are among the finest in the world. Advertising has done great things for other countries, and properly organised and supported it will do an equally good service for this Dominion. What is needed is co-operation between the people and the Government to place in the hands of the people of the Northern Hemisphere information which will make them desire to come to NeAV Zealand. They will always receive a happy welcome, and after seeing the country they cannot fail to carry away with them bright memories of its attractions, and so become missionaries encouraging others to come and enjoy tours through, the country.