TOURIST RESORTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17269, 19 September 1919, Page 6

TOURIST RESORTS.

The revenue collected at the tourist resorts during the past financial year exceeded -the record of 1916-17 by £550, which is a remarkable result for the last year of war. It is offset, however, by a much larger increase in administrative expenses, so that the year shows a loss nearly double that of 1917-18. These figures do not give an account of capital expenditure or include allowance for depreciation of buildings and plant, and, since practically no improvements or additions to the equipment of the various resorts have been made for several years, the Department must now be provided with sufficient funds to enable it to cater adequately for the entertainment of visitors and the recreation of the Dominion's own people. It is noticeable that of\ the resorts within the Department's jurisdiction, those in the North Island show a deficiency of only £800 while the in the South Island is £4300. The contrast is attributable to the fact that the northern resorts are accessible to both a larger resident population and a larger number of visitors, and this circumstance should be recognised by the Department. The claims of Tongariro Park are particularly pressing. In many respects, it has more attractive features than any other holiday place in the Dominion, and with a comparatively small expenditure could be made the most popular of all. Its proximity to the Main Trunk railway and by it to the chief centres of population will make it the recreation ground for the North Island, and, provided its development proceeds on sound lines, for those of moderate means in particular. The deputation which interviewed Mr. Nosworthy a few days ago convinced him that there is a general desire throughout the North Island for the opening of this magnificent domain. The various speakers were equally emphatic in advocating the erection within the park itself of sufficient accommodation for visitors. The Minister was unusually frank in his agreement with the deputation's views, and his designation of the park as " the great national recreation ground" indicates that he recognises its value to the community, and that he will use his influence to enable the people to secure the advantages which it offers.