TOURIST TRAFFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21881, 17 August 1934, Page 12

TOURIST TRAFFIC

CONFERENCE DECISION * PROPOSAL TO FORM BOARD RESOLUTION TO GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE [by telegraph—own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday "I hope that the passing of some popular and attractively-worded resolutions will not be the only outcome of this conference, but that some definite and practical results will be achieved from the discussion that will take place," said the Minister in charge of the Tourist and Publicity Department, the Hon. A. Hamilton, when opening a conference to-day of those associated with the tourist traffic. Over 60 delegates were present from all parts of the Dominion. The proceedings lasted the whole day.

In welcoming the delegates, Mr. Hamilton said the conference would realise, as he did, the value to the community generally of the tourist trade. Of course, there was the national as well as the local aspect. He hoped the delegates would not bo parochial in their views, but would express their opinions from a national point of view.

Mr. Hamilton suggested that the main objectives to be borne in mind were the bringing of more tourists to New Zealand, and meeting their requirements during their stay, so that they would be well satisfied when leaving and become good publicity agents, and, moreover, encouraging New Zealanders to travel and see mdre of their own country. He trusted that the conference would not develop into a criticism of any past efforts to popularise and increase tourist traffic, but that all would concentrate their thoughts on the best arrangements that it was considered desirable to be made toward obtaining a further influx of overseas tourists.

The discussion which ensued touched on almost all phases of the tourist trade and the following resolution was adopted:—"That the Government and private interests involved in tourist and publicity matters in New Zealand be co-ordinated. First by placing the Tourist Department under the control of a board separated from the public service and then by developing all interests affected for the purpose of bringing tourists to and caring for them in New Zealand."

Subsequently it was decided to set up a committee comprising the Hon. J. McLeod. Mr. C. A. L. Treadwell, Mr. H. H. Sterling and Mr. H. J. Knight to present a resolution to the Government.

A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Sterling for his work. A resolution was also passed thanking the Minister for calling the conference and also for presiding, and expressing the hope that his health would soon be completely restored.