POPULARISING WAITOMO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18278, 20 December 1922, Page 9

POPULARISING WAITOMO.

TE KUITI SUGGESTIONS.

OFFICIAL NEGLECT ALLEGED [BY TELEGUAVH.—OWN CORMSI'ON.'OENT.]

TE KUITI. Tuesday.

At a meeting of the To Kuiti Chamber of Commerce strong comment was made bv Mr. S. Craig on the state of the Government hostel at Waitomo Caves. Thero were great possibilities, he said, for making this one of the most popular health and tourist resorts in the Dominion. At present the hostel was in a state of disrepair and sadly needed paint. While the manager and staff did everything possible for visitors they appeared to be hampered by the reluctance of the Government to spend money on the buildings. The hostel was beautifully situated and the grounds could be made very attractive. At present the accommodation was only sufficient to allow visitors staying for one night, but, if this time could be extended, many people had informed the speaker that* they would spend some trine at the hostel. It would not cost a large amount of money to construct lawn tennis courts and croquet and bowling greens at the hostel. The additional attractions would be the means of many people visiting the caves for a lengthy period. Mr. , Craig suggested that the chamber should urge the Government to make the place more attractive. Mr. J. W. Broadfoot concurred with this view, remarking that the caves were one of the greatest sights in the Dominion, but the most was not being made of them. There were many people in 1 Auckland who would make the caves a health resort, for the climate was ideal. During the hot weather in the city many would stay at the caves for recuperative purposes if the facilities were available. It was decided that a sub-committee should make inquiries in the matter and report to a subsequent meeting.