TONGARIRO PARK HOTEL

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12250, 23 September 1925, Page 3

TONGARIRO PARK HOTEL

THE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report on Tongariro Native Park has the following respecting the hostel site*— The selection of the most suitable site for the proposed hostel is proving a difficult question, as the members of the board are somewhat divided on the subject. At the February meeting it was decided to investigate the possibilities of a suitable site between the Haunted Whare and Whakapapa, and a report by the Government architect is now under consideration in this connection. When the location of the site has been definite* ly settled the design and size of the building can be more closely gone into, and a decision can then be reached as to whether the board will proceed with the erection of the necessary' building or advertise a suitable lease to enable such a building to be erected by private enterprise. Should the board adopt the first alternative and erect the building, it will be necessary for considerable funds to be provided. The board's present commitments in roading and development work will absorb all available present financial resources. If, on the other hand, it be decided to offer a suitable lease with appropriate conditions for a modern building, etc., to be erected by private enterprise, the board would be absolved, if such a lease were taken up, from the necessity of providing capital moneys for this purpose. The question is a very important one of policy, and is receiving the closeest consideration of the board with a view to its determination without unnecessary further delay, as the board recognises that but little further development can he usefully done until a modern hostel is .erected at the park, by which means the necessary accommodation and attractiveness will be provided alike to the people of the Dominion and to oversea visitors. In the meantime it will probably be necessary to provide further accommodation at the Whakapapa huts, and the question of erecting a central social hall and diningroom with kitchen, etc., and caretaker's quarters, is now under consideration."