WAITOMO CAVES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4462, 11 August 1941, Page 4

WAITOMO CAVES

AS A TOURIST RESORT. | FALLING-OFF IN TRAFFIC. In the course of his annual report, the manager of the Waitomo Hostel reports that, as was to be expected, there was a considerable falling-off in traffic owing to the war and petrol restrictions. The reduction in traffic is probably more marked in Waitomo than in most other resorts, as the majority of the people stay only for one day. Also, the cutting-off of practically all overseas traffic has probably had a greater effect than in most other resorts, where they have their regular visitors staying each year for a week or more. Approximately 9.280 people visited the caves and 4,265 stayed in the hostel. There were four Sunday railway excursions from Auckland, bringing a total of 1,083 people to the Caves. These excursions were very popular this year, and all seats were sold a few days after the booking opened. Week-end excursions were run from Auckland on Labour Day and King’s Birthday, and in both cases were well booked. iNo major works were done during the year, and all maintenance and repair work was carried out oy its own staff. “As in previous years,” continues the manager, “any spare time of the guides has been taken up in repair and improvements. The farm is gradually being cleared and fenced, with the result that the outlook from the hostel is much improved. Moreover, the property is able to carry more stock, and fifty sheep are at present being grazed in addition to the milk-ing-nerd and dry stock.” “The hostel has been the centre for all patriotic activities in the district,” concludes the manager, “and ti e din-ing-room in the old building Ms been used for the Lady Galway Sewing’ Guild, packing parcels &c. During the year approximately £l5O was collected for the central committee as a result of weekly euchre parties and other functions. In November a garden party was held in the grounds of the hostel and £5O was cleared. The hall has been used for send-off parties and Home Guard parades.”