THE NATIONAL PARK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19731, 2 September 1927, Page 10

THE NATIONAL PARK.

In all the past advocacy of proper provision being made at the Tongariro National Park for would-be visitors the basis taken was that once the accommodation was there the patronage would speedily follow. Now there is proof that one seasonal demand on the available facilities has far outstripped their resources. The Ruapehu Ski Club, seeking to book a year ahead, finds that it has been forestalled, that the holding of its annual fixture is jeopardised because the huts have already been reserved for this time next year by two other parties. At this particular season the demand is unusually keen, for conditions should be favourable to the holding of winter sports, and most educational institutions have holidays. The story is not confined to the end of August, however. At all holiday times now the accommodation is strained to the utmost to cater for those resorting to the park. These circumstances should surely be to those who control it a reproach for past inaction, and an incentive to greater zeal in the effort to make the trust they administer fulfil the purpose for which it was intended. True the holiday rush cannot be accepted as the standard for the whole year. In common with all other scenic and pleasure resorts the National Park will have its slack as well as its busy times. Nevertheless, it has much to offer the visitor all the year round. If his wants are catered for boldly, there may be times of slackness, but there should be, indeed there would be, no absolutely dead season. Accessibility, adequate accommodation, and proper appreciation of its charms are the three things needed to assure the National Park of public patronage for twelve months in the year, even if there must be fluctuations in the volume of traffic. The accessibility has been provided in large part. The public is showing its appreciation of this great health and pleasure resort. The authorities governing it should therefore be emboldened to complete the trilogy without a moment's avoidable delay. If they do not they will be unworthy of their trust.