THE COAST.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15119, 4 January 1922, Page 4

THE COAST.

The popularity of the Coast as a summer resort has grown very rapidly of late years, and there can be no doubt that, as the settlement of the district progresses, these sheltered bays will be the picnicking and camping grounds for a large area. With increased facilities for reaching the town, the railway, , and the boat service, more and more people will reside permanently along this favoured strip of coastline, and the result should be a distinct benefit to the town and the district. But the advantages that the Coast has to offer to the visitor or the resident need Co-operative development, and the suggestion that some organisation should be formed for that purpose, deserves serious consideration. The provision of simple, yet adequate, dressing shelters, sanitary conveniences, water supply and so on, may entail some expense but a seaside gala would be a new attraction and one likely to be a financial success.

One of the glories' of the Coast is the' pohutukawa. These trees make the seaside more attractive and there are some tery fine specimens along the route. And more pohutukawas would make the road more attractive. The splendid display of bloom seen in the park during the past few weeks shows what can be done, and an energetic body of seaside residents could do much to make the approach to the bays, and the bays themselves, even more pleasing than they are, at present. It is a matter for regret that there is no public reserve down the Coast. As the private land is built upon it means that the public are forced on to the very narrow strip between the road and the beach. Shady spots where 1 picnickers can enjoy lunch or a quiet rest are not too numerous. There are several examples in Dominion where combined effort hal?’ developed spots, v VO f^- 5 favoured as the Coast, and made them most attractive and popular. Anything that will make residents of the Waikato and the Thames Valley seek' their outdoor, pleasures along the Coast will serve a useful purpose. TbCy will see the possibilities of the firth, discuss its development as a handy place of shipping for their districts, acquire, in friendly discussion, first-hand knowledge of schemes on hand, and generally develop that friendly interest that so often finds expression in practical support. In its coast the Thames has a great asset, but the work of the development should not be delayed.