HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27271, 23 December 1949, Page 3

HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS

NORTH OTAGO NEWS

Camping Grounds In Good Order

Although the weather has not been particularly good for camping during the last two weeks it is expected that there will be a general exodus of local campers during the coming holiday season. It is also expected that many visiting campers will make iull use of the several beautiful camping grounds in North Otago. In a press interview yesterday morning Mr J. Gerrie, representing the North Otago Automobile Association, stated that all camping grounds were in good order, and local and visiting motorists would find the open-air fireplaces in firstclass condition.

There was an ample water supply at Campbell's Bay for those contemplating an outing, Mr Gerrie said, and the fireplaces were in good repair. The beach itself was covered with a good layer of sand and was quite safe for bathers so long as they kept to the north of the old bathing shed. The Kakanui River, at the mouth, was in good order for those who desired to bath in fresh water, and picnic facilities were provided in this locality. The motor camp at Hampden was now under the control of the Hampden Borough Council, he added, and further facilities had been provided recently. The creek was in good order for swimming, but bathers should pay special attention to the deep hole in the vicniity of the camp. The beach was also in good condition for bathing.

Monday, December 26.—Lawn tennis Christmas tournament; Hampden Bowling Club open fours. Tuesday, December 27.—Lawn tennis Christmas tournament; cricket, North Otago v. South Canterbury, at Timaru. Wednesday, December 28.—Lawn tennis Christmas tournament.

The Oamaru motor camp is in perfect order and the grounds have been cleared of all surplus grass. It is expected that the new area, across the creek from the main camping ground, will be required during the coming camping season, and the association expects a large number of visitors during the holidays. The camp committee has given attention to the water supply, and gas rings have been replaced at the cookhouse. The accommodation house for seven men and seven women has been given attention and has been used freely of late. The association regretted, Mr Gerrie said, that because of circumstances beyond its control the proposed new accommodation house had not yet been erected. The association gave an assurance, however, that it would be completed during the coming year. The usual New Year party for children will be held at the camp at 5.30 p.m. on December 31. The association has provided an extra assistant during the day to cope with the increase in traffic, and the canteen will be open for certain periods during the holidays. Waitaki Camp The Waitaki Acclimatisation Society’s camp site at the south end of the Waitaki River bridge is in first-class condition Water is available and there is ample space for campers. This camp, of recent years, has become one of the most popular camping places near Oamaru. General Attractions For those who cannot travel far during the holidays sea fishing in the Oamaru harbour should provide good sport. Trevalli have commenced to run and some excellent catches are reported. Red cod are plentiful, while further sport can be obtained with the rod on the rocks around the Marine Parade. On Saturday, the Friendly Bay Improvement Society will hold a gala, when the recently completed merry-go-round will be opened at 2 p.m. Launch rides should be an attraction for the children, and there will be plenty of side shows to amuse visitors. The signal hut, erected in 1864, and recently shifted from Cape Wanbrow, will also be opened.

A list of attractions over the holiday season is:—

Saturday, December 24.—Gala, Friendly Bay; Defence Rifles shoot; lawn tennis Christmas tournament.

Saturday, December 31. —Oamaru Jockey Club’s races; Defence Rifles shoot at the Federal range. Monday, January 2.—Waikouaiti Racing Club’s meeting; Meadowbank Bowling Club’s New Year pairs. Tuesday, January 3.—Kurow Jockey Club’s meeting, at Oamaru; Meadowbank Bowling Club's New Year pairs tournament.