Summary, j.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10708, 4 May 1903, Page 1 (Supplement)

Summary, j.

TRE TOURIST DEPARTMENT. (From ''.The Colonist," April lsth) Readers of the Wellington papers will doubtless have noticed almost daily lists of callers at the rooms of the Tourist Department in Wellingtou. The rooms in question are attractive, for they contain some fine specimens of Maori carving, while a number of magnificent stags heads, and some New Zealand trout naturally appeal to sportsmen. There are also a large number of illustrations on the walls, showing New Zealand scenery, but not a solitary view of any part of the Nelson district is to be found there. That the Department should have given first consideration to the Thermal Springs districts is not to be complained of, but it is high time that this Department should give some attention tp Nelson, which, as a district, contains somo of the Haeab scenery in the Colony, whilst its lakes and mountains, rivers - and gorges are not wholly inaccessible, though we hope that as a result of the labors of our Representatives in. Parliament, and of the Inland Communication League many of them may be more easily reached in the near future than they are to-day. The estimates of the last fiuancial year showed an expenditure of some £25,000 on account of the Tourists and Health Resorts Department. This expenditure provided not only for a staff of eight or nine persons at Wellington, but of district agents at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. There were votes of £945 for Hanrner, and of £200 for improvements at Maruia, as well as large items set down for the Rotorua Sanatorium and baths, and votes for other springs, for Mount Cook Hermitage, the Southern Lakes, Milford Sound, subsidy for Wanganui River steamer of £700, etc. Amongst other items was one of £3,000 for advertising and purchase of books, photographs, pictures, and distribution of pamphlets, books, etc. No specified sum was set down with the object of attracting tourists to Nelson, but there is no just cause why this district should not be as well considered as, say Invercargill, and if an expenditure of £25,000 a year on the Tourist Department is warranted, surely the claims as well as the attractions of Nelson should receive their due attention. Sir Joseph Ward, under whose charge the Tourist Department is, has recognised that Nelson has been unjustly treated in the past, and it is now for him to see that recompense is made by providing additional means of communication, and also by making the attractions of the district better known by means of this department.