POPULARISING ROTORUA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20480, 4 February 1930, Page 12

POPULARISING ROTORUA.

NEW BATHS AND GOLF LINKS.

SUNDAY GAMES SANCTIONED.

WEEK-END RAIL EXCURSIONS. jj£ V TIiLEG RAPH— CQBEESPONDENT. ] ROTORUA, Monday. The Minister-in-Charge of Tourist and Health Resorts, Hon P. A. de la Pcrrelle, attended a meetiug of the Ro'torua Borough Council to-day, when matteis affecting tho welfare of tho district and the tourist traffic were discussed. Tho Mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, said he hoped tho Minister would expeite the provision of an aviation ground. lie also drew attention to tho responsibility for control of Wliakarewarewa, saying it was very desirable, that healthier conditions should exist. The Mayor also asked for Government assistance with the council's projected sewage disposal scheme. The Minister said ho hoped to give the New Zealand tourist traffic a great uplift. He looked upon the Dominion as a great national reserve that should attract many more thousands of people than at present. The Pninn Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, had placed his whole heart in tho work of restoring Rotorua to its proper position as a spa. Improving Bath Buildings. Mr. do la Perrelle congratulated the council on its public spirit., and said lie was fully alive to the necessity of pushing forward the bath buildings, which would bo ready for next season. "We believe in getting things done," he said. In respect to the council's request regarding seVage proposals, the Minister said they were sano and justified. On his arrival in Wellington they would receive his immediate attention. Ho would also do what he could to help tho flying ground project. Whakarowarewa was a delicato matter. He would get Sir Apirana Ngala to study the matter closely with him. Tho Minister then said that 50 men would bo put on to the work clearing all the Wasto Government land lying to the east of the cricket ground, so that it could bo utilised for a sports ground and golf course. Tiro declivity to Lake Tarawera, from Wairoa Road, would be recommended to tho Public Works Department for immediato treatment. Inducements to Australians. After a conference with Mr. G. 11. Clinkard, M.IV for Rotorua. and departmental heads, it had been decided to open the baths, bowling greens and tennis courts on Sundays, and to run special week-end railway excursions to Rotorua. It would bo an aid to the health of tho people and would provide for thoso who otherwise could not afford to come to Rotorua. Tho new bath would give excellent accommodation to swimmers, being 100 ft. by 75ft. His department would spare no effort-to make Rotorua attractive and. special induceineULs would be held out to Australians to make massed tours.

The Minister's speech was received wi'h great applause. A deputation representing tho Agricultural and Pastoral. Association pointed out the association's need of a building in which to hold shows and stated that for tho purpose of raising funds they wished to hold an art union. It was hoped also, by tho creation of scholarships, tq stimulate in the young people an interest in farming. The Minister said these matters had his sympathy and would be attended to. Tho decision, however, rested with the Cabinet.

The Ministerial party left this afternoon for Wairakei and Taupo.