THE TOURIST LEAGUE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19512, 16 December 1926, Page 14

THE TOURIST LEAGUE.

PAST YEAR'S OPERATIONS. NEED FOR MORE PUBLICITY. The New Zealand Tourist League held its annual meeting last evening, the president, Mr! W. J. Broadfoot, presiding. The annual report stated that the committee had given much thought to the problem of securing a tangible increase in the tourist traffic from outside the Dominion and to the extension of the policy, "See New Zealand first." Stress had been laid on the need for co-operation between the Government arid private interests. The problem of providing modern accommodation at some of the tourist resorts 'was not being solved. Steps had been taken to promote a confetfenco of those interested in the accommodation business to consider latest developments in other parts of the world and their adoption in, New Zealand. A comprehensive scheme for organising a "selling' 1 force'to advertise the Dominion's scenic attractions with joint action by the Government and private interests had been prepared and circulated. As an alternative the league dfafted a "scheme for . the appointment of an efficiency officer by the private interests to organise tourist - traffic within the Dominion. The balance-sheet showed that the debit balance had been reduced from £35 to £2 2s. Resolutions were passed expressing disappointment at the failure of the Government to carry ■ out improvements to the-Blue-Bath pavilion • at Eotorua or to provide adequate accommodation at the Waitomo Caves. It was decided to urge that the Dominion's scenic reserves and national parks should be placed under the control of a larger board co-opting non-official elements interested in native flora and fauna. The necessity for the adoption of new methods by the Tourist Department was emphasised in another resolution urging that the business of booking tourists in the Dominion and overseas should be undertaken on commercial lines by the creation of a qualified canvassing staff. Regret was expressed that another year must pass before adequate accommodation would be provided at Tongariro National Park and it was decided to suggest that less elaborate accommodation should be specified in future. It was stated that the greatest obstacle to tourist traffic from Australia was the high steamer fares, and it was decided to make representations to the Government in the matter. Complaints were made regarding the inaccessibility of the Tourist Department's offices in Sydney. It was stated that the offices were on the third floor of a building, while all other tourist offices except one were on the ground floor. The following officers , were elected:— President and treasurer, Mr. G. M. Fowlds; vice-presidents', Messrs. J. N. McLean, W. J. Broadfoot and P. Hayward; executive, Messrs. A. J. Stallworthy, Gf. Finn, A. A. Brown, A. J. Johnston, A. S. Graham and A. S. Blackie; secretary, Mr. T. Walsh;