AFTER THE WAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17288, 2 October 1916, Page 7

AFTER THE WAR.

EXPECTED TOURIST BOOM.

HOW NEW ZEALAND MAY

" BENEFIT

[From Our Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, September 30.

The New Zealand Tourist f Departmont is running under short sail because the country . has more serious things in hand than catering for the tourist. Nothing is to be done to specially interest the tourist class m other countries with a view to inducing them to come here after the war, because it is believed that the great centre of attraction will be Europe. The view of .the Hon Dr M'Nab, Minister in Charge of Tourist Resorts, M that there will be an immense pilgrimage- to the battlefields from the whole British world as well as the Americans, who appear to have already rushed the steamer accommodation which will be available when peace ia deolared. „ "We may benefit in one way, continued Dr M'Nab. "This immense rush of inquisitive Americans will make Europe an undesirable place for the professional tourist—the individual who travels a good deal, is prepared to pay for the best accommodation, and always demands comfort. This class will not care to be hustled, and we may find that New Zealand wiU attract them because it will be out of the rush. ~ , ... , "I do not think we would bo justified in launching out at present, . bc< cause we do not know when the ••war is going to finish. We propose, however, to make known to tho sportsmen of the Old Country and tho United States the magnificent ashing.to-bo obtained off the North Auckland coast, with tho kingfish and swordfish. . 1 hose who' know, say that it rivals the famous tarpon fishing of America. Where swordfish are concerned, there, is also, the spice of risk, because this fist sometimes attacks the boat, ,and;.therj; is an element of danger which will add to the joy of most good sportsmen.' I propose to send a journalist and: plioto; grapher to 'write up' and illustrate this sport, and secure publicity for. it in the leading British and American sporting journals." < - ;