Tourist Attractions Of North Discussed

Northern Advocate, 7 June 1944, Page 3

Tourist Attractions Of North Discussed

(Special)

KAIKOHE, This Day

A discussion on the tourist attractions of the Bay of Islands in general and of Kaikohc's environs in particular. was held at last night's meeting of the Kaikohe Chamber of Commerce. Convener of a sub-committee appointed some time ago to compile information regarding the district’s historic and scenic attractions, the Rev. H. ,J. Steele reported progress pressed the thought that, besides a pamphlet describing them, the points of interest might be intimated by the presence of road signs, supplemented by comprehensive details as to the significance of the spot in question. One-Day Trips From Kaikohe

The local A.A. representative (Mr. A. Hancox) stated that his organisation was making plans to detail oneday trips, based on Kaikohe, and including the historic spots of the Bay of Islands.

The Waitangi centenary celebrations in 1940 established the North as a tourist centre, and, as a result, the A.A. prepared its Bay of Islands guide map. with brief historic surveys of events that took place around its shores, printed on the back of the map. Apart from that, no information was in the association’s hands. No signs existed anywhere in the county to mark a historical spot. It was anticipated that, after the war, the tourist traffic would increase quickly and beyond all expectations. He thought it would be an excellent idea to have all available information ready for use when this new influx should materialise. Neglected Northern Roads

Mr. Steele mentioned that it was notieesable that the roads of the North were badly neglected. In small localities in other parts of New Zealand, especially in the South Island, there were miles of tar-sealed roads.

A suggestion by Mr. H. F. Guy to invite a well-known Waimate North resident to address the Chamber on the subject of the North’s historical associations, was agreed to. Such a course would increase the members’ own interests in the various points of attraction.

Ngawha a Government Spa

Another matter mentioned during the meeting was the mooted control of Ngawha Springs by the Government, as a curative and tourist thermal spa. The chairman stated that the Department had wanted the Analysis of the various waters at Ngawha. but it now seemed that these were completed. Another speaker mentioned the winter condition of the springs road, which was almost impassable through ihe presence of huge pot-holes and muddy patches.

British M.IVs Wanted

On the suggestion of the president (Mr. W. Stewart), it was decided to ask the Bay M.P. (Mr. S. W. Smith), to intercede with the Minister for Internal Affairs to have Kaikoke included on the itinerary of the British Parliamentary party when they toured New Zealand, following their current visit to Australia. It was stated that one of the party, Dr. Edith Summerskill, had written to Dr. G. M. Smith, of Hokianga, stating that she was greatly impressed by his book, and would endeavour to visit Rawene during her tour of the Dominion. Re-Open Old Okaihau Road Re-opening of the old Okaihau road over the Taraire block and along the western slope of Lake Omapere was also discussed, it being suggested that it would prove useful as a stock route outlet from Okaihau and Utakura to Kaikohe. The road was now completely blocked—had been since the great Hoed of February, 1934—and might have to follow a somewhat different course up the hillside. However. it would halve the distance between Okaihau and Kaikohe. and would open up large tracts of country for reafforestation or agricultural development. besides providing easier access from the south to the Okaihau mill, and 10 the Omapere outlet, on which it was proposed to build an extensive power generating station in future.

Continuous Exchange Sought

Completion of the business section of a petition seeking the inauguration of a continuous telephone exchange at Kaikohe to obviate the current hiatus from midnight to 6 a.m., was announced by Mr. E. B. Berry. Mr. Berry added that it was hoped to complete the list of signatures of renters of residential phones. About 60 of the latter were needed. Over 90 business signatures were secured.