ATTRACTING TOURISTS

Taranaki Daily News, 28 November 1934, Page 4

ATTRACTING TOURISTS

EARLY ACTION REQUIRED “NOT A PAROCHIAL MATTER.” DISCUSSION BY RETAILERS. PUBLICITY BY RADIO STATION. Methods of attracting tourists tb Taranaki and the seeming disregard by the Government department of the province s claims for a share in the traffic were discussed at length by the New Plymouth Retailers’ Association last night. The probability that talks describing Taranaki’s attractions would be given from station 2YB, New Plymouth, was mentioned.

Mr. V. R. Simpkins brought the question up and commanded the lead given by the Taranaki Daily News in inviting suggestions for drawing tourists to the province. There were many little ways in which New Plymouth could be improved so as to be more attractive and impressive to tourists. The particular point he gave as an instance Was that street channeling should be clear fromrubbish and offensive drainage. That Was only an instance of hoW little improvements could create a big impression.

Something should certainly be done, said another member. Hawera retailers had taken the matter up also. “Nobody wants this tb be a parochial matter,” he said. “It is of provincial importance.” Mr. V. Duff, the secretary, said he had been assured by the Government that the decision where they would go was usually left entirely to the tourists themselves. Taranaki had its fair share of New Zealand tourists but it appeared that those from overseas desired tb see sights they could not see elsewhere. Consequently they visited Rotorua, Waitbmb Caves and Chateau TongarirO end skirted Taranaki.

Members considered that in that connection tourists disliked, travelling over the same ground twice. To Visit Taranaki in conjunction with the Other North Island attractions Would require that and would leave less time for the attractions of the South Island. It was considered Taranaki should Concentrate bn the attractions it had tb offer arid that all parts of the province should shoW & combined front.

Mr. V. Gafth instanced the surf beaches of Taranaki. They were the finest in New Zealand ■ and that fact had been recognised by the decision to hold the New Zealand surf life-saving championships in the province this season.

The North Taranaki Radio Society had promised to do all in its power oVer the air to further Tarahaki's claims to a share in the traffic, said Mr. Duff. Members commended the idea and discussed at some length several aspects of the problem. “MUST STRESS CLAIMS.” VIEWS OF RADIO SOCIETY. ~ “If the Government will not stress the claims of Taranaki to a share of tourist traffic it is time the peOplfe difl so,” said Mr. F. T. Davis, chairman,, at a meeting of the North Taranaki Radio Society last night. It WaS intended that a meeting of those qualified to broadcast should be convened and a tentative programme Of suitable subjects drafted. The sdciety would be assisted by the Tarahaki agents Of the Tourist and Publicity Department, tourist leagues, mountain house and seaside resort societies, automobile associations, chambers Of commerce and retailers* associations. Talks Would be given between the present time and Christmas, the plan being to set aside a definite time each weely for the purpose. The scheme was heartily commended.