HOLIDAY CAMPING WITHOUT DISCOMFORT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 236, 24 December 1927, Page 12

HOLIDAY CAMPING WITHOUT DISCOMFORT

IDEAL CONDITIONS AUSTRALIA SHOWS WAY New Zealanders are an out-of-doors nation, and a holiday under canvas appeals as the ideal life. But to many the equipping of a camp, and the many duties which are the least attractive part of camping, are irksome —so they go to a boarding house. In America councils, progress associations and committees of business men in all parts of the country provide and maintain tourist camps and iind them a good proposition. Business people in the vicinity of the camps reap a small harvest from their patrons. Select at random Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, with a population of less than 2,000. The camps there have the following equipment: Stoves, tables and benches, firewood, police protection, showers, trees, river, playground, electric lights, pavilion, well and cistern water, and excellent sanitary arrangements. Private home rooms are provided if desired. A camp attendant disposes of all garbage. Scores of places offer similar inducements to campers, and some are even more ambitious, running to fully equipped kitchens, “trash burners,” and drinking fountains. AT LAKES ENTRANCE Australia has followed America’s lead. Lakes Entrance was the first place in Victoria to follow America’s example. The Lakes tourist camping park is three minutes' walk from the lake - and five minutes by boat from the ocean beach. Light refreshments and meals are provided, and there are lock-up garages for a limited number of cars. The camping grounds are spacious and sheltered, with swings and seesaws for children. Fireplaces, wood and water are available. Hot water is provided free at all hours upon the arrival of camp parties. There are two lawn tennis courts, roomy shelter sheAs with tables, toilet shelters, and septically sewered conveniences. All provisions are delivered at the camp daily. A small nominal fee is charged for the services, and is used to improve the camping grounds. New Zealand wants something of this sort of thing. There is this summer a marked tendency for people to get off the beaten track, to dodge hotels and guest houses, and enjoy the freedom of a camping holfßay. These camping parks answer an increasing need.