ENCOURAGING TRAVEL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 148, 26 June 1934, Page 6

ENCOURAGING TRAVEL

DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA RAILWAYS CHAIRMAN RETURNS L Per Press j AUCKLAND, June 25. “I was particularly gratified by the reception which the leading business men in Australia gave to the idea of co-operation in matters of tourist travel between New Zealand and the Commonwealth,” said Mr. H. H. Sterling, chairman of the Railways Board. Mr. Sterling returned to Auckland by the Aorangi after being absent for seme weeks, during which time he has travelled extensively in Australia. His main objective was to investigate the feeling in Australia toward a co-opera-tion movement to encourage tne tourist traffic of the two countries. In covering the country from Berth to north Queensland he had had an opportunity of seeing all the principal tourist attractions. “I was able to meet many influential Australians,” continued Mr. Sterling, “and discuss with them tins idea of co-operation. Tins move will probably spread in time to other countries of th e Pacific. The ultimate result should be that tourist traffic should be attracted to the Pacific, especially to our own countries.” Mr. Sterling felt that there was a forward movement in Australia to encourage travel, and this, poipciiy handled, could benefit botn countries. No doubt much of the good had come from the activit'cs of the National Travel Association, the chief aim of which was co-ordination of the efforts of all those interested in travel. The excellent publicity of this organisation had indirectly helped New Zealand, as tourists to Australia had often included New Zealand in their itinerary. During his tour Mr. Sterling made a number of observations on questions of railway policy and general management that will be of considerable value to the Railways Board.