FEES AT WAITOMO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22028, 7 February 1935, Page 14

FEES AT WAITOMO

.Sir, —May I be permitted to enter a complaint against the exorbitant charges levied for admission to the Waitomo Caves? On Sunday, January 6, I was one of a party of 15 who went to Waitomo. On inquiring at the hostel the charge for the glow-worm cave we were informed it was 4s —normally it is understood to be only 3s. As we considered our party was large enough to warrant a reduction we asked for one. This was refused. On procuring our tickets we found they were made out for 3s, but this amount had been altered, in pencil, to 4s. Presumably because it was the holiday season the authorities were out to make money and they certainly did so. That the public was eager to see the caves was clearly evidenced by the fact that 60 people were escorted through the cave in question the morning that our party made the trip. This means £ls for throe-quarters of an approximate time spent in the cave. The guide was very courteous. The cave was wonderful, but the .pleasure of the journey was marred by the excessive charge made. Incidentally, the trip was timed for 11.30 a.m., but was not begun until noon, when the guides arrived to open the cave. We are always being told to see our own country first, but when the Government makes the'' admission charge to public property so ridiculous I think it is best to stay at home. R.B.M.