NEW REGULATIONS AT ROTORUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17956, 5 December 1921, Page 3

NEW REGULATIONS AT ROTORUA.

Sir,—The Tourist Department hag issued an order which compels every visitor or resident to take out tickets for all baths and games at the main bath buildings. The departmental contention is that a saving in staff will be effected. This is problematical; The on a positive effect will be th«i immediate reduction in the number of visitors who take advantage of being in proximity to baths stepping in for a dip or swim. The main buildings 1 are cot affected, but the patrons of the .Blue and Duchess baths, a numerous class, are to be called upon to first traverse the whole grounds and secure tickets that might 'just as well be issued by the attendant upon the spot. There is another aspect. Visitors coming by motor-car—and they are an ever-increasing factor in the tourist traffic—arrive at all hours, and a number set off to the nearest bath. If they have to go to the main buildings first, the Duchess and Blue baths * will lose trade. The same objection lies with regaTd to returning trippers, al3o a numerous class. The time that elapses between arrival at the boarding houses and dinner time (an hot.r practically fixed by Statute, to the union award) precludes this grand tour in search °f a ticket. The idea has —like all other departmental uka?os-been sprung upon the community, and is resented, and will be still more keenly resents as time tests it The position of the mam bath buildings is eminently unsuited for a public ticket office. Were the central ticket bureau placed at the gates at the Bum Bath entrance or at the bowlers and croquet pavilion, past whicn all lead the situation would be robbed of much of its inconvenience anc absurdity, but as at present announced it is a severe and palpable restrictive measure ajid cominir on the heels of another n popularity -raising of bath fees-conslituies a major casus belli against a department singularly devoid of tact. If finances are to improve the only way is to popularise the lawns, OTwns and courts arid remove as far as possible obstacles to bathers. T, could be issued on commission by hotel and bearding house managements, and T weeklv or monthly settlement made. To deliberately put obstacles in the way of impatient pleasure-seekers intent on spending, is fatuous folly and in keeping with past departmental precedent. OKAS. IT. C. " OItTTTTNGTOX.