ADVANCE NELSON ASSOCIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 1 May 1937, Page 5

ADVANCE NELSON ASSOCIATION

FIRST YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED SERVICE RENDERED TO CITY AND DISTRICT ADDRESS TO ROTARY CLUB

The activities of the Advance Nelson Association during its first year were outlined in an address given to the Rotary Club by the president of the Association, Mr E. F. Ward. “The Advance Nelson Association can well be associated with other service organisations, of which many exist everywhere,” said the speaker. “It is an organisation strictly non-political, its membership comprising nearly 500 men and women who are prepared to render what service they can in the best interests of the City.”

Several months previous to June, 1936, said‘Mr Ward the question of forming an association similar to the" Napier Thirty Thousand Hub was discussed by a. group of business men who felt, that such an organisation could do a good amount of good to encourage viitors to she City. The initial meeting was held in the Marsden library on 29th June, of last year and it was that meeting which brought the Advance Nelson Association into existence.

ADVERTISING THE DISTRICT Our association feels that the rest of New Zealand should be made conversant with the facts regarding Nelson’s natural beauty, and sunshine, which combine to make Nelson one of the best holiday resorts in New Zealand. We feel that other places- such as Napier and Timarii are stealing the march on us in this respect, although not blessed to such an extent as Nelson with the gifts of natural beauty, f supose that Napier 10-day is perhaps New Zealand’s most poular watering place—with Timaru running a close second—and their present happy condition ban be well attributed to the efforts of associations similar to ours. There, is an axiom in business “that ; f vou have something really good to sell—tell the world about it”—advertsie—and it was in this respect that our organisation felt it could render good service. We do not wish to do the work of otlie<‘ organisations such as the Progress League—or interfere in any way whatsoever. On the contrary we are only too willing to carry out any suitable work that might be mven to us by other local associations

Before we could go further wilhh our publicity to was necessary lo organise a meinbersip drive in order to'get a substantial hacking, and this drive proved ti be very successful giving as the total membeiship— mentioned previously—approximately 500 and a certain amount 0 f working capital

Our first effort was the printing of 10,000 illustrated envelopes—depicting two scenes of Nelson, with an appropriate slogan inviting people lo visit Sunny Nelson, or to write to our Association for any information. These were issued to members free of charge, for their use in correspondence lo friends outside the district.

This was shortly followed by the issue of 10.000 illustrated booklets giving concise information to the prospective holi-day-maker, by conveying a summary of what to see and dc in Nelson ; also tabulating specimen fares from Now Zealand main towns to this city by the various modes of travel, d’hese were soon cireu. lated throughout the Dominion, and from inquiries we have received, it is evident that they have been the means of influencing quite a few visitors to the city, ft has lo be admitted here that 10,000 is not very many among a million and a half poulation—hut as we were dependent on advertising to assist with the cost of production it was the best we could do in the short time at our disposal.

IMPROVED APPEARANCE Shortly after our coming into existence iD was found that many suggestions were coming in in regard to improvements of services and facilities offered to visitors; and it became quite apparent that not only was it necessary to' advertise for holiday makers, but/ a iso for us to interest ourselves in the appearance of the city. If a person invites a stranger to hi, home for t he first time—lie usually wishes to convey a favourable impression to the guest, and the first thing usually seen lo is that the home presents a pleasjug appearance, and secondly that every

facility is available for the entertainment and enjoyment of the visitor. Wo felt it should he so to visitors coining to the city, and we began lo look round to see whero improvements could be effected. One of (he most glaring eyesores was the condition of fence lines in our streets, and wc instituted a “Clean Up Week” the results of which were satisfactory. We wish to develop a strong civic pride in all citizens in all citizens in an endeavour to keep their properties in as spiu and span condition as their means will allow.

Our Publicity Committee keeps a check on Government Tourist Department advertisements, and endeavours lo see that Nelson receives a lair share in their publicity. We have drawn their attention to quite a few omissions —which we felt were not justified—with good results. In several of their advertisements in relation to South Island scenic attractions we noticed that although Marlborough and the West Coast were mentioned—Nelson did not appear, and in subsequent advertisements we had them include our district. Their yearly handbook omitted our splendid “Airway” service and their attention was also drawn to this.

Efforts to publish Nelson’s sunshine figures In the metropolitan papers were also successful and for some months past a monthly summary of our sunshine figures has appeared in the “Evening Post,” “Dominion,” “StarSun,” and Christchurch “Press.” Many matters have received our attention and quite a considerable amount of work has been done. I Will endeavour to enumerate these as briefly as possible.

VISIT OF TOURIST SHIPS An effort has been made to see if there is a possibility of getting at least one to visit here during the season. TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE Our interest is deeply concentrated in making Nelson a terminal air port, and it appears we have a fair chance of this eventuating once land machines are used. BROADCASTING The question of obtaining the Government’s assistance for the maintenance of a suitable broadcasting station was investigated, and a suitable letter sent lo the Government, who replied that the question would be given earnest consideration when the question of B stations was under review. PROVINCIAL BUILDINGS Several discussions have taken place in respect to the city acquiring these, but we found that Rotary were working on this and we resolved to offer any assistance and support that we could give. INFORMATION BUREAU We had hoped to establish an information bureau for visitors, where they could gaifi information as to where to go and what to sec* whilst in Nelson. GUIDE BOOK At the moment the question of a suitable guide book is under consideration as it is felt that this would be of great assistance to visitors.

SIGN POSTING It is felt that suitable sign posts could be erected in the main streets directing visitors to such places as swimming baths, Queen’s Gardens, Cawthron Institute, Maitai river walk, centre of New Zealand etc.; also that places of historic interest be marked in a similar fashion. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TOWNS We also registered a protest to the Tourist Department regarding the exclusion of Nelson in the itinerary of the Chamber of Commerce delegates. FIRE BRIGADES' DEMONSTRATION Our Association took a very active part in the organisation of this week, and the results were quite satisfactory. FILM PUBLICITY An effort was made to gel a technicolour film made of Nelson whilst Warner Bros’, cameraman was in New Zealand but as his time was limited it was not possible for him to include Nelson, We also arranged an itinerary for a newsreel man—and several views of Nelson were taken.

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION We are at present holding a photographic competition —with a view to obtaining new views of Nelson for publication purposes.

COMMUNITY LIGHTING A survey of all the dark patches in the city business area was made with a view of ascertaining those places that were not on the community lighting service, with a view to encouraging them to take advantage of the special rates for same, thus assisting to brighten up the city. I would like to mention here that our Association considers that eventually the council might be responsible for all community Tights, regarding it as part of the street illumination. This is being done in Hamilton, Newmarket, and I think Hawera and Stratford with outstanding success in making the business area bright and attractive.

COMPULSORY RUBBISH COLLECTION For some months past we have been investigating the question of a compulsory rubbish removal service, and we have gathered full information from a dozen other places, within the same range of population etc., as ourselves, with a view of placing a definite proposition to the Council complete With estimated costs, based on figures received elsewhere. Our plans in this direction are well under way, and we propose to bring the question before the Council at a suitable time. As will be seen, our activities have been somewhat wide and varied, but we have not lost sight of one of them and we hope that this year will see many greater things accomplished. Like most service organisations we are handicapped by the need of finance, and if we had greater funds our work would be a great deal easier. Although our Association has only been in existence for 10 months, it can be seen that a considerable amount of work has been accomplished—and as we seem to be overcoming “our growing pains” we look forward to being able to render still greater service to the community in the future.