TOURIST TRAFFIC

Southland Times, Issue 22188, 2 December 1933, Page 6

TOURIST TRAFFIC

SOURCE OF REVENUE. OFFSET TO QUOTAS.

The probability that Great Britain will have to impose restrictions on the importation of New Zealand primary products was, at yesterday’s conference, used by the chairman of the Southland League (Mr William Hinchey) as an argument for the . increased development of the Dominion’s tourist traffic. Mr Hinchey said he thought the authorities scarcely realized the great asset represented by the scenic attractions of the Dominion. They had not yet been exploited to the fullest advantage and insufficient foresight had been shown in their development. “There is one aspect of world affairs which New Zealand should not lose sight of,” continued Mr Hinchey. “As we all realize, the Dominion has been almost entirely dependent on the export of its primary produce for its revenue. Everywhere in the world we now hear of increased production. England is the dumping ground for most of these primary products, but England is no longer the machine-shop of the world. In other countries, where wages are considerably lower, goods are being manufactured at smaller cost. This must seriously affect England and I think we shall certainly see restrictions imposed on our produce. If quotas are imposed the Dominion will have to look for an additional source of income and in that respect I consider the development of tourist traffic essential. Mr H. H. Sterling, the chairman of the Railways Board, when discussing the matter with me recently, agreed that New Zealand would have to seek additional sources of revenue and that the t—urist traffic should help solve the problem” In concluding his remarks Mr tiinchey said he considered that. much of the money now being spent in unemployment relief was misdirected. He believed that a better and more immediate return would accrue from developing the tourist traffic than from the drainage of swamps. However, that was a matter of policy; but there could be no argument about the potentialities of the tourist trade-