TOURING HABIT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19379, 31 December 1932, Page 2

TOURING HABIT

AUSTRALIANS GO OVERSEAS. CHRISTMAS PASSENGERS. SYDNEY, December 23. When the Monowai came in this week she had on board a large contingent of tourists from New Zealand, many of whom arranged to be in Melbourne for the second Test; and the newspapers here are congratulating themselves on the increased interest that New Zealanders are now showing in this part of the world. But that interest is being keenly reciprocated this year, as a glance at the passenger lists for outgoing boats will show. Within the past week the Monterey left for New Zealand with 247 passengers, the Zealandia with 278 passengers and the Marama with 260 passengers. At this week-end the Monowai leaves with 360 passengers and the Makura with over 200 more. It is clear that the Australians have contracted the touring habit to some purpose, and they are devoting a great deal of attention not only to New Zealand but to picturesque resorts nearer their own shores. The Strathaird, which leaves on Christmas Day for Norfolk Island, is taking about 1250 passengers, and the Oronsay, which leaves for Noumea on the last day of the year, has nearly 1000 booked already. It is quite evident that the Australians, in spite of all the attractions of this - wonderful country, have not yet cultivated the art of staying at home seriously, and it is at least equally clear, that, in spite of all the depression, they have plenty of money to spend in much touring and travelling at this season of the year.