THE NATIONAL PARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19658, 9 June 1927, Page 10

THE NATIONAL PARK.

The experience of an Auckland party, which enjoyed a perfect holiday at the Tongariro National Park,* and returned surprised at the low cost of it, shows what an ideal playground this great mountain reserve can be for the people of the North Island. There is a useful future for the hut accommodation, whatever olsa may bo done to cater in moro adequate fashion for holiday makers who are not prepared to take their pleasures quite so strenuously as those who now resort to the park must perforce do. While present evidence indicates that there will always be people ready to accept rough conditions, and doubtless find in them an added zest, it does nothing to disprove the need for better arrangements to make the park more universally available. It is,true the Auckland party mentioned managed to fare very well, and to return home delighted. It will be noticed that to do this the members had to make all arrangements for their own comfort, down to carrying fuel all the way to the huts. This can be done with a strong party and careful organisation. It should not be necessary before anybody can enjoy such a holiday. There are many people who would not face the task, and therefore keep away from the park. Among their number are some wh6 would gain most benefit from the change of altitude and the bracing air. They are entitled to have their needs considered. Whatever popularity the park gains under present conditions, it cannot enter into its period of full usefulness until provision is made for those unable to face the possibilities of discomfort in the hut system. The obligation resting on the board of control to provide better for the holiday-making public is as strong as ever. Nothing has been heard lately of the hostel project, the board hav ing apparently sunk back into its old apathy." It; should realise that the growing popularity of the park, even as it stands, increases the urgency of supplying living facilities of a higher standard than those which now exist.