THE TOURIST TRAFFIC.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 10112, 19 September 1894, Page 2

THE TOURIST TRAFFIC.

ADVERTISING TARANAKI. A pdblic meeting convened by tbe Scenery Preservation Society for the purpose of considering tfte question of advertising the natural advantages of the district, from a tourist point of view, was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Tuesday night. Present —Messrs Bauehope, Govett, F. L. Webster, Paul, T. Avery, W. J. Shaw, Dempsey, White, W. A. Collis, E. N. Okey, McLeod, J Skinner, Raynes, J. H. Parker, Kerr, T. Furlong, Juur., W. H. Skinner. Mr Govett, who was voted to the chair, said that there was a large tourist traffic in New Zealand, a proportion of which should be diverted in this direction, but it was not, and tho question therefore to consider was to induce a fair share of the tourist traffic to Taranaki. They could only do this by setting forth the advantages that the district presented to the tourist, and it was necessary that they should take steps to advertise the district. Mr Herbert Jones, the lecturer, had informed the Society that it was his intontion to deliver a series of lectures on New Zealand in England, andhe suggested that he could advertise-the district in the course of these lectures on certain terms. Arrangements were entered into that Mr Jones should deliver two lectures here. The Society would give Mr Jones £10 to cover expenses of these lectures, and would hold £25 back, which would bo given to Mr Jones on vouchers being shown that he had advertised the district in England by posters, views, and lectures. He thought that a sum of £35 could be guaranteed for this purpose. He was of opinion that the meeting should guarantee the £35, and if the lectures to bo given here were worked up he was confident that the guarantors would not bo called on to pay a penny.." He moved a resolution to the effect that the meeting guarantees £35, £10 of which will bo paid to Mr Jones to covor cost of lectures here, and £25 to be held back on certain terms mentioned. Mr Dempsey asked what Mr Jones intended to lecture^on here. The Chaiuman replied that one lecture would be on Australia, and the other on tho most striking views of New Zealand. Mr Collis seconded tho motion, and read the terms on which Mr Jones had agreed to advertise the district. Mi 1 Bauchope said that it was not encouraging to those present to guarantee, as on looking round the room he could only see three who would benefit by tourist traffic, namely, one hotelkeeper and two tradesmen. He thought that others who would be benefited should be asked to join in the guarantee Mr F. L. VVeHSTer asked what the takings were at Mr Jones' two leotures given here some time back. Mr Collis said the sum was £26. Mr Paul said that he could speak for the hotelkeepers in the matter of insisting the movement, sible if any would not guarantee. Messrs Kerr, W. H. JSkinner, Avery, Raynf.s, and Parker, also expressed their views. The resolution was carried. A committee consisting of Messrs Govett, Shaw, Collis, Raynes, Paul, Furlong, Avery, Parker, with power to add to their number, was appointed to work up Mr Jones' lectures to make them a financial success. It was understood that the committee would enlist the sympathy of the ladies in the work. The meeting adjourned.