MORE BOOKINGS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20679, 18 March 1937, Page 5

MORE BOOKINGS

TIMARU’S HOLIDAY TRAFFIC

EFFECT OF EPIDEMIC Had it not been for the epidemic of infantile paralysis Timaru would have enjoyed its best holiday season, according to a report presented to a meeting of the executive of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce by the Publicity and Progress Committee last night. Present: Messrs J. M. Jenkins (chairman), G. H. Andrews, W. I. Tait, J. S. Satterthwaite, J. H. Sinclair Thomson, J. A. Norrie, W. M. Sexton, W. Baird, J. Anstey and C. E. Kerr. The report stated that up to December 20 bookings showed a 25 per cent increase on last year’s figures. Altogether there had been 500 bookings, representing nearly £lOOO worth of accommodation, and of those 150 had been cancelled. The report was adopted. Trans-Tasman Air Service Reporting on claims of Wellington to be the terminal point of the proposed trans-Tasman Air Service, the Publicity and Progress Committee stated that one of the main points raised had been that the South Island would greatly benefit in the time saved in delivery of mails and arrival of passengers with the terminal point at Wellington. The tourist attractions of the South Island also were not to be overlooked. On the grounds of accessibility and distributing time to and from the terminus, the committee supported the proposal. Mr Kerr said the matter should have the Chamber’s hearty support. Wellington was the capital of New Zealand and, from the South Island viewpoint, was only a few hours distant. Auckland was right at the far end of the Dominion. The chairman said he agreed with Mr Kerr, but he asked whether the committee had considered the suggestion of a South Island terminal. Mr Andrews said the committee considered Wellington the most suitable terminal for New Zealand. The report was adopted. ,