TE PUIA ATTRACTIONS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18068, 20 April 1933, Page 9

TE PUIA ATTRACTIONS

RECOGNITION WANTED GISBORNE BUSINESS MEN ACT The Gisborne Chamber of Commerce at yesterday atternoou s meeting decided to make representations to tne Tourist Department to beautify tlie surroundings ol io j/uia springs and to make the attractions of tho locality more widely known. At a previous meeting, a committee was deputed to go into the matter and to report back to the chamber. Deporting yesterday on behalf of tlie committee. Mr. James Clmsp stated "At a meeting of tlie committee set up to plan out details regarding the beautifying of Te Jhiia Springs, it was decided to ask the chandler to apply to the Government for a grant of free labor to beautify the grounds and -plant tho 1000 trees promised by the Tourist Department last November. The matter is urgent, for the trees must be planted not later than May to ensure, success in quick growth. Guards would be noccs sary to protect the trees and suitable paths are urgently required for the comfort of patients and the benefit oi tourists. A few garden seats are necessary about halfway between tlie baths and the accommodation house.

“Advertising is asked for inclusion in the Government Tourist Department printed matter, with photographs illustrating the beautiful spots iu and around the springs. Te Ruin’s curative powers are considered hv some medical men to he superior to anything else in New Zealand. Supporting evidence can Lo produced by many patients who • have received benefit from the To Puia springs affeu failure to benefit from other well known hot springs. "Although understanding that the Te Puia baths are under lease to a private person, we are of the opinion that the curative powers of the baths are of such national importance that tiie_Government should supply the lessee with all Hie assistance in its power, and make this wonderful health resort more attractive and known to our New Zealand people ’’ Mr. Chris]) added that the Te Puia springs had small but convenient camping grounds, and the lake near the hospital was -controlled by the Domain Board. Te Puia would be only 30 miles further from Opotjki than from ( 'pot iki to Gisborne when the new Coast road was completed. ■ The To Puia springs attraction was* believed to he of immense importance to Gisborne. At present, tourists were leaving Gisborne out of their itineraries, and if they cou-d bo made to realise the attractions of this part of the Dominion Gisborne would benefit.

Mr. H. F. Forster agreed that many tourists were missing Gisborne. Barge numbers of outside parties went as far as Morere last summer, but very few came on to Gisborne. It was decided, to write to the Tourist Department asking fbr its assistance in beautifying the grounds and in fencing a legalised road; and also to seek the aid of Messrs. K. S. Williams and D. W. Coleman, M.l*.’s.