SCENIC WONDERS

Southland Times, Issue 18967, 14 June 1923, Page 5

SCENIC WONDERS

THE OTAGO COMPLAINT MINISTER REPLIES (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. June 13. A telegram from Dunedin yesterday, stated that at the pre-sessional meeting of the Otago members of Parliament with the Otago Expansion League, Mr Todd, president of the latter, blamed the Government for failing to advertise the scenic wonders of Otago. To-day, the Hon. W. Ncsworthy, Minister in charge of tourist and health resorts, stated that hp utterly failed to see wherein Otago’s complaint lay. As a matter of fact, he said, particular attention had been given to Otago within the last six months. Probably the complaint, was due to the fact that a folder had recently been produced for circulation abroad, proclaiming the wonders of Rotorua, which is one of the principal show places of the Dominion. It had already been announced by the Minister of Publicity, that a folder was being produced dealing with the Otago scenic wonders, similar to the one describing Rotcrua. This would shortly be available. It was the second of a series and a third would deal with the Dominion generally. A few months ago, the Government photographer and cinematographer had spent over two months in the Fiord and Lake Country of Otago and Southland, and had thoroughly covered that district, obtaining a complete set of fine photographs and over 3000 feet of cinema film, of which good use was being made. Irrigation activities in Central Otago had been thoroughly dealt with in the same way, and the film was now being shown in the Dominion and photographs were being displayed in various centres. It was difficult to see what the Otago Expansion League had to complain about. He had noticed that objection was taken to the word ‘cold” being applied to the Southern Lakes in Government literature, but so far as he was aware, this word was not used in the booklets and folders now being produced by the Government. From his cwn personal experience the Minister said he most certainly agreed that Otago had its full share of. sunshine.