MOTOR CAMPING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23020, 23 April 1938, Page 14

MOTOR CAMPING

GROWING POPULARITY

WESTERN SPRINGS GROUND

LARGE INCREASE IN REVENUE

Tlio growing popularity of motor camping in New Zealand is indicated by the remarkable increase in revenue collected at the Auckland City Council's camp at Western Springs during the past few years. For the year ended March 31, 1935, only about £2OO was obtained in camping fees, £4OO was collected in 1935-36, and £568 in 1936-37. Nearly £930 was obtained from this source, however, during tho financial year just closed.

To some extent tho riso in revenue also probably reflects the greater popularity of tho Western Springs camp, which is now one of the best equipped in the Dominion. In making comparisons with other years, however, it must bo borne in mind that the weather during the past summer has been much more suitable for camping holidays than in other years. Room For More Oars Every month during the past year Western Springs has accommodated many more visitors than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Even in the middle of last winter there was a small but constant stream of motorists arriving and departing from the ground, while over tho past six months the visitors have numbered many hundreds. In spite of tho lateness of the season there were over 70 parties at the camp on Easter Saturday, while the number still there exceeds 30.'

Equipped with a wide variety of facilities the camp has been further improved over recent months as a result of extensive levelling work. A year ago the number of cars which could be accommodated at the one time was about 300, but the ground will now hold over 400, provision for about 50 having been made since Christmas. If required, the camp could be extended to provide space for 1000 cars by using adjacent City Council property. Improved Facilities Many references to the excellent facilities at Western Springs have been made by recent visitors, including a number who have travelled extensively in both islands and abroad. Not only have they praised the equipment of the kitchen and other buildings, but they have also appreciated s;:ch facilities as the swimming bath and children's playing area. The shelter and the quietness of the site have also been the subject of comment. According to the camp authorities a noticeable feature about the season has been the record number of visitors owning caravans. For the most part the caravans have been well, even lavishly, equipped, providing every comfort and convenience desired. Better equipment has also been carried by those persons still using tents, indicating that, through the experience of other years, they have a greater knowledge of the requirements of comfortable outdoor life.