TOURISTS IN THE BAY

Northern Advocate, 5 January 1937, Page 7

TOURISTS IN THE BAY

NARKUNDA’S COMPLEMENT DELIGHTED WITH NEW ZEALAND After fine weather lasted throughout the day, rain fell at 4.30, and soon, as in the case of the Wanganella, the Bay of Islands was blotted out as far as the tourists of the P. and O. liner Narkunda were concerned.

Arriving off Russell at 9 am., the 650 passengers were transported to Paihia, Waitangi Falls and the Treaty House, having at their disposal ten local launches. Returning to the ship for lunch, the crowds overwhelmed Russell and frantic scenes we v e witnessed as the visitors endeavoured to justify their trip by collecting souvenirs from the shops. “No similar rush has been experienced since the Australian fleet was in two years ago,” was the opinion of one storekeeper, who had a hectic time coping with the crowd. “It seems that at Rotorua and Auckland , these tourists had been unable to purchase views and souvenirs owing to the shops being closed in both towns, and they were determined to make up for it in Russell. There was a healthy demand for Auckland views, therefore, that could not be met at all.

The “Advocate* reporter went on board at 4.30 and interviewed as wide a range of tourists as possible in the short time at his disposal. There were no titled people aboard and the purser informed him that names to conjure with in Australia would convey nothing to anyone outside of that country. Reminded of England.

A charming man and his wife, who were doing the round trip from England, stated that for 23 years he had had been in China and had . never settled down. Of the two countries, indeed of any country he had visited, New Zealand appealed most. Whilst driving through the Waikato to Rotorua he was impressed by the astounding quality of the pasturage and fat stock. The river, with its green banks, and cattle standing in the water, had reminded them strongly of England in the south. The trip through the Auckland harbour was an enviable experience for the first time. The War Memorial had been picked out by all, but no one had known what it was until arrival at Auckland. The Government was criticised by this gentleman for having monopolised transport, to the disadvantage of the tourist. In any other country in the world if a man wanted to go any where by car and was willing to pay the charge, he could get a man to drive him who wanted the .money and was willing to earn it. In New Zealand, however, the tourist was willing to pay, and the driver was willing to go, but the Transport Board would not permit him to exercise his free will and compelled the dourist to travel through the bureau

channels which, in turn, would not allow the visitor to exercise preferences or choice of stops or routes. This was deplored. Flattering, Comments.

Regarding New Zealanders and Maoris, flattering remarks were made regarding hospitality, courtesy and service. A comparison was made between Australia and New Zealand, in that if one asked the way of a stranger in Australia, he might be told correctly or merely fooled, but in New Zealand if the reply was thought not to have been properly understood, the man would show the stranger, and disregard “tips” with scorn. Several passengers commented on the beauty of Auckland. Such questions as “are there no factories and no dirt?” were asked.

One young lady, appalled at the task of adequately doing Auckland justice by her vocabulary, finally threw up her hands in despair, and said she had better say nothing, as she could find no words suitable. A tactful questioning and a quarter of an hour quickly passed as she found words to express her appreciation of Auckland’s gateway to New Zealand. A Lottery Waiter. Another young lady said if she struck a ticket in “Tatts” she would retire to Auckland to live. The sight of the - city at night when leaving the harbour was marvellous, wonderful, and so on.

These expressions were over-work-ed everywhere. It was a thrill to hear in every case the opinion that the Auckland harbour was considered better even than Sydney, where, after the cliffs had been passed and one reached the city, the ground was built on down to the water’s edge. The pohutukawa-fring-ed Auckland harbour was raved over, and the War Memorial received its full share of praise. One tourist compared the beauty and utility of it to the depressing mass of architecture of use--1 lessness that constituted the Melbourne War Memorial. A kindly old gentleman, busy writing, was addressed, and a beam broke

across his wrinkled face. “You have a wonderful country. ... I shall bear with me to the grave the beauty of New Zealand. To have only two or three hours to see Auckland in. when one would rather three months I regretted. One Tree Hill! Mt. Eden! the Museum!!!” He sighed and. warmly shaking hands, he was left to reflect once more on his treasured memories of his brief stay. A Fool Afloat. After many persons expressing their desire to come again and see the beauty of Northland, it was amusing to hear one note of complaint from a young woman: “Your beer is no good.”

Falls That Satisfy. One world traveller, commenting on the Waitangi Falls, said that in many parts of the world he had fallen for inducements to see falls that proved to be mere trickles. He had thrilled to see Waitangi Falls with obviously the volume of water there, though not the height, and the sudden view he caught of it after rounding the bend in the river he would never forget.

The “Advocate” reporter stepped off the Narkunda a minute before it slipped off into the heavy rain at 6 p.m. sharp bearing with it its full complement of travellers all so well satisfied with having seen the refreshing beauties of New Zealand and soon to lose sight of the Bay of Islands, only to see land once more on Friday morning next —at Sydney.

Well Pleased Fishers. Ment on should be made of the 16 tourists' 'ho went iishing on a launch and return 3 d to the ship with 117 schnapper. i ighly delighted with their success.