BOOSTING THE COAST.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20466, 18 November 1938, Page 2

BOOSTING THE COAST.

POPULARISING THE BEACHES. PROVISION OF MORE AMENITIES. PROGRESS ASSN. NEEDED. With the coming of electricity to the Thames Coast in the near future, there should he a marked increase in the floating population which finds its way to the various bays during the summer months, but if that population is to be further encouraged and maintained it would seem the time has arrived for the formation of some organisation to take an active interest in the progress of the Coast.

The Thames Chamber of Commerce has rendered good service in many things affecting the Coast, and "it would be hardly fair to load it with further responsibilities. Something in the nature of a Coast Progress Association, with but one sphere of work, could accomplish a great deal, and it seems certain it would have the backing of the Commerce Council and the business people of Thames as a whole.

There are many avenues along which such an organisation could work, for there is no sidestepping the fact that, apart from swimming, any other pleasures which might be obtainable from the beaches, and the splendid scenery, there are few of the usual amenities as are found at other places.

Nature has provided for Thames a natural marine playground, but for full use to be made of it, man must boost - it, and offer the visitor something more than just sandy stretches. With the increase in the leisure time, highways are at the week-ends becoming more congested with people seeking environments other than those in which they have to perform their daily work.

For one thing, properly organised camping areas are fast becoming a necessity at the Coast. Apart from the Borough camp ground at Tararu, there are no .sites with even a suggestion of the usual conveniences. True, there are areas where fees are collected, but tliey are just bare areas of land, so it cannot bo wondered at that the Coast is not as popular as it might be with the outside holiday-maker.

The bathing-sheds at Puru and Waiomo serve their purpose at pre sent, but they are neither commodious nor convenient. In this direction, big improvements could in the future be effected.

Tennis courts, bowling greens and similar sporting attractions are nonexistent .at present, and although their provision would be somewhat costly, thoy could be kept in mind and worked by a Progress Association.

With the provision of some of these amenities, the popularity of the bays would undoubtedly be increased, and with the influx of more visitors, private enterprise would be encouraged to step in to a greater extent than it is at present, but as thing now stand there seems no hope of anything from from the point of view of popularising the beaches, ever being done.