SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1934, Page 9

SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHS

TOURISTS AND NEW PLYMOUTH. IMPORTANCE TO DISTRICT. Arising out of the discussion on New Plymouth and the tourist traffic at the previous meeting of the council, further correspondence on the subject was received at the meeting of the New Plymouth Borough Council last night. A request for scenic photographs was made by the Matson Shipping Line. This was regarded as important by councillors, who referred the matter to the Tourist and Expansion League. Mr. W. Laird Thomson, manager of the Goodwill Travel Service, said he would appreciate any information or literature regarding the attractions of the district If visiting New Plymouth in the future, Mr. Thomson said he would make a point of calling on the town clerk fo discuss tourist business. Mr. Thomson forwarded a copy of his reply, to a letter from the Taranaki Licensed Victuallers’ Association. In this he pointed out that on March 6 he had written to 14 Taranaki hotels, including three at New Plymouth. After approaching Mr. L. O. Hooker, secretary to the Taranaki provincial council of the licensed trade, in connection with the matter of communicating with the Taranaki hotels he had received a courteous reply from him indicating that he would send a list of the hotels concerned. From this list Mr. Thomson made a selection.. He was naturally disappointed at not receiving any replies, particularly as the response from the South Island and most of the North Island houses was most encouraging. • . Referring to the invitation to New Plymouth sent him by the Mayor, Mr. J. E. Ryan, of the Matson Shipping Line, telegraphed from Auckland * regretting that time did not permit a visit on this occasion, but he would look forward to a visit next time he was in New Zealand. He asked that views of New, Plymouth should be forwarded. ’ The question of providing photographs as asked for was referred to the Tourist and Expansion League for a report. The Mayor and councillors stressed the importance of the matter from the point of view of the town and district. Cr. F. Amoore pointed out that the league had no money and therefore could not incur any expenditure. He agreed, however, to consider the matter. The Mayor said that even if the council had to vote £5 it would be money well spent. Cr. P. E. Stainton considered that unles they were prepared to do the thing properly it would be money wasted. He thought it would cost £4O to £5O. It was an opportunity for the league to resuscitate itself by pursuing a definite object of considerable value to the town. The Mayor pointed out that all that was at present being asked for was photographs. Cr. Amoore said the league had some photographs that could be used. It was unfair to ask the league to incur expenditure that would have to come out of the members’ own pockets. Cr. Stainton said more than mere photographs would be necesary. Photographs alone would not persuade tourists to come. The attractions would require to be properly “written up.” He thought the league should look into the question. Cr. S. J. Smith supported Cr. Stamton and suggested this was a proper subject for the league to take up. He felt sure the league would receive support if it pursued the matter. . It was on the motion of Cr. F. S. Grayling that the matter was referred to the league.