THE TOURIST DEPARTMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3881, 31 July 1928, Page 7

THE TOURIST DEPARTMENT.

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR. WELLINGTON, July 26. The annual report of the Tourist Department shows a considerable improvement in the business and financial operations. The revenue was £65,447, an increase of £3773. The expenditure was £76,865, an increase of £487. These satisfactory figures are mainly, due to improvement in business resulting from advertising in New Zealand and Australia, as well as from strict economy in the control of the department. As to the cry of favouring the north against the south this allegation is refuted, and it is shown that actually the South Island bookings were far in excess of the North. It appears that the department holds letters from the leading tourist business firms in the South Island expressing their satisfaction with the business put in their way by the department. Such firms as Newman Bros., of Nelson and. Hokitika, the Graham Bros., of Waiho Glacier, the Mount Cook Motor Company, and other leading concerns have all expressed themselves as satisfied with and grateful for the business sent them by the department. In this connection it has been the policy of the department to see that all its officers engaged in this branch of the work have a complete personal knowledge o’f the resorts of New Zealand, and there is no office in the Dominion where there is not an officer who has visited every tourist resort in it, and’has up-to-date knowledge regarding it. ! THE MILFORD TRACK.

The report states that the traffic in this district has unaccountably fallen short of last year’s, but it bears a healthy look for next season. • The manager of the department says that the track has been maintained in first-class order, very good work having been done by the track hands without exception. A new hut has been erected on the Mackinnon Pass, which will prove a great boon as a resting house and shelter. The filling and blinding work carried out on both sides of the pass is worthy, of special mention. The huts have been well conducted, the couples having carried out their duties with every satisfaction. Minor improvements, such as painting, etc., have been effected at the Qtienton and Pompolona huts, greatly improving the general appearance. The staff at Glade House has carried out its various duties in an able manner, although working under difficulties during the rush period. The bird life is greatly diminishing owing to the ravages of weasles. - The manager further states: . “Bj the time; I come to write my next annual report I hope to be able to report that the new hostel at Milford has been open for a season, and has been the means, of' inducing'a much larger traffic to that district.” ‘ OVERSEAS AGENCIES. The Sydney agent of the department (Mr Blow) reports another recortj' year. “■ Indeed/iif the year under review," he says, “ all records have been broken, tlie total bookings amounting to 553.3, an in-, crease over last year of. 2011. I attribute our great success to the fact that the majority of people who have bought bur tickets have been personally recommended to 80 by friends, who have found out by experience how reliable the passenger booking part of our department, is, and how the information and attention given by this office can be depended on.” ' ' . Mr H. J. Manson, in Melbourne, reports that the encouragement of the tourist traffic has, of course, been of primary importance, and much time has been devoted to propaganda work. With regard to this matter literature has been •widely., circulated through avenues most likely-to bring in results. Lectures have been delivered-and moving' pictures exhibited .directing ■ attention to the scenic attractions, the result being increased traffic to New Zealand. As the booking system and the facilities it affqrds become better known there should be a corresponding increase in our returns. Be that as it may, the takings for the year disclose a marked improvement tin last year’s figures.' Mr Manson adds: “ You will be interested to know that there is a widespread movement covering the various States of the Commonwealth and the countries .bordering on the Pacific to keep the tourist on the move,' and in co-operation with those engaged in the business, it - is hoped ■ that New Zealand will gain its fair- share of trippers.- Most countries, are beginning to awaken to the fact that the tourist is an - asset of - considerable value, worthy of.the closest attention; and -in comriion with them' you will agree that New Zealand, which can

supply the finest goods, must not be lacking in any such enterprise. Much money is to be .spent on the drive, and it looks as if a tremendous impetus will be given to the traffic.'’