NEGLECT OF TAUPO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20172, 5 February 1929, Page 12

NEGLECT OF TAUPO.

Sir,—lt has been reporled that the recent criticism in regard to the conditions of the baths at Rotorua has brought a reply from the Prima Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, stating that immediate action would bo taken to remedy the state of affairs at Rotorua. As there is no mention of anything being done to remedy the conditions that exist at Taupo, which are far worse than at Rotorua, the difference between Rotorua and Taupo is that hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent at Rotorua, and practically speaking, not a penny at Taupo. While visitors admit Taupo to be the best trout fishing spot in the world, they at the same time voico loudly their disgust of the Government s neglect in not developing the many other attractions. There is not even a swimming bath, only a ramshackle shed 30ft. x loft., which cannot and docs not provide accommodation for five per cent, of those who wish to use the hot mineral curative waters. There are no better curativo waters in any part of the world, and millions of gallons are running to waste, Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., and Mr. F. Langstone, M.l*., recently visited Taupo. Mr. ' Fraser said Taupo was ona of the beauty spots of the world, and should be popularised and made as attractive as possible. Mr. .^ an S* stone expressed the opinion, thab if tna Government were to do justice to Taupo and provide an up-to-date swimming bath in the gardens (at present an eyesoie), with private bathing facilities attached, Taupo would bo one of the most popular tourist and health recuperating resorts m the southern hemisphere. He said main people went from Taupo disgusted because the attractions were not developed, and for this the Tourist Department was not free from blame. J- Loughli. Taupo, February 2nd.