BOOSTING SOUTH ISLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21126, 27 August 1938, Page 8

BOOSTING SOUTH ISLAND

SUPPORT FOR TRAVEL ASSOCIATION HARBOUR BOARD JOINS UP Members of the Timaru Harbour Board expressed the opinion at the monthly meeting yesterday that the aims of the South Island Travel Association to increase the tourist traffic to this Island were well worthy of support, and decided to pay the annual subscription of £lO/10/- which would entitle the Board to representation on the Association’s Executive. The decision was made after listening to an appeal for support by Mr Buchanan of the South Island Travel Association. Mr Buchanan, who outlined the efforts of the Association in its endeavours to increase tourist traffic to the South Island, mentioned that the bias in favour of the North Island still continued, as was borne out by the fact that in the case of eight tourist steamers which were scheduled to visit New Zealand none would call at the South Island. In moving that the Board publish an advertisement in the South Island Travel Association magazine “Discovery,” at a cost of £25 and also make a payment of £lO/10/- as an annual subscription, Mr A. F. Campbell said that, after hearing the explanation by Mr Buchanan, he felt that the Board should endeavour to support the Association in its objective to stimulate tourist traffic to the South Island. Mr R. S. Goodman, who seconded the proposal, remarked that, as the encouragement of tourist traffic was of such vital importance to South Canterbury, he felt that the £25 should be spent on the advertisement and that the Board should also join the Association

Mr H. M. Whatman expressed the opinion that as the Board represented the local bodies of South Canterbury, and as no doubt the Travel Association would also appeal to them individually, there would be a certain amount of overlapping in regard to granting donations. For that reason Mr Whatman proposed an amendment that the Board make a subscription of £lO/10/- to the Association’s funds, and that the advertisement be not proceeded with. Mr D. C. Turnbull, who agreed with Mr Whatman, seconded the amendment. Mr T. B. Garrick: I believe that we already have a minute on our books to the effect that w r e will not make donations which involve double taxation. Mr G. R. Lee (acting-secretary): Yes, that is the position, but in this case double taxation will not arise. Mr Whatman: We are certainly going against the policy of the Board, but in this case I would like to see some assistance given to the Travel Association. Mr Campbell: It seems to me that the Travel Association is only applying for assistance from Harbour Boards, and not from local bodies generally. Mr K Mackenzie: You will find the Association will appeal to the other local bodies. Mr Goodman: I feel we should do everything possible to encourage the Association in Its work. The acting-chairman (Mr F. R. Flatman) recalled that when they had previously discussed the matter the Board Lad taken up the attitude that there would be a certain amount of double-banking. However, he felt that the Board ought to do a little to help, as naturally the Board was anxious to see tourist vessels visit the port. The amendment was carried bv a small majority.