TOURIST STREAM GROWS

Northern Advocate, 27 December 1934, Page 4

TOURIST STREAM GROWS

TAHEKE BRIDGE REPAIRED POPULAR NORTHERN STRUCTURE. “SHORTS AND SHIRTS." The Taheke bridge, the last of the flood damage to be repaired, was opened for traffic this morning, and as a result all main highways in the North are again in use. The contractor has been working long hours, and also bn Christmas Day, to havb the structure in order again. All other bridges are open. Today there were more tourists in Whangarei, and there are indications that the main stream of traffic is beginning. Many passed through the town this morning, and a number are stopping in the district visiting - the many beaches that are within --lose reach.

The presence of the Duke pf Gloucester in Auckland has undoubtedly delayed the commencement of a number of parties, but' after today it is known that many more will leave the city for the North, The Waipu beaches are receiving their quota of campers and other popular localities are gradually becoming dotted with canvas.

The Chamber of Commerce and Twenty Thousand Club bureau for tourists is being well patronised. Today, in town, there were numerous strangers, and cars laden with camping gear. The majority■ of the tourers wore shorts and khaki shirts. The ladies, too, were mainly dressed in shorts of varied colour. Last year’s popular “longs” have long since died out and become quite unfashionable. The heaviest traffic is expected at the New Year. A number of yachts and launches have arrived at Whangarei, and more are expected. Some rain was falling in the Far North this morning, but the barometer is rising. Caravans and trailers were much in evidence this year, reports our Warkworth correspondent, for during the Christmas period the traffic on the roads was exceptionally heavy, so far as motors were concerned. The big majority of the traffic was wending its way northwards, and observations generally from motorists are to the effect that the highways are in excellent condition and camping facilities splendid. At 'Waiwera, the camping ground is fully occupied, and there’ are also a number of private camps along the coast at Mahurangi Heads, Snell’s Beach and Leigh. ■

RAILWAY FIGURES. BIG PASSENGER INCREASE. Passenger traffic from the Whangarei railway station for the week ended December 22, produced revenue amounting to £lO2 in- excess of - that received over the. corresponding period in 1933.

Owing to line interruptions, livestock traffic showed a heavy decrease, but now that the line is open northward to Moerewa, livestock specials have been arranged, for today and tomorrow. The traffic should be, normal again within a few days.