The Wanganui Chronicle. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1945. THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 86, 12 April 1945, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1945. THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

r pilE-future of tourism in New Zealand has been made clearer by .statements of the Minister in Charge of the Tourist Department and by its official head, Mr. L. J. Schmitt, after the latter’s visit to Wanganui and to the middle reaches of the Wanganui River.

The Minister visualised an air service which would take over' seas tourists from Rotorua to Queenstown, cutting out all in bar tween. In the mind of the Minister the “Rhine of New Zealand” didn’t count for these short-term visitors. That should furnish food for thought to those concerned for tourism from the standpoint of Wanganui. Mr. Schmitt’s advice was more particularly directed to the local problem of exploiting the river as a tourist attraction. In this his,advice was specific and fully endorsed the criticism of “The Chronicle.’’ He pointed out the deficiencies of the local efforts to exploit the river. In the post-war world the pre-war methods and services will be inadequate. Mr. Schmitt said that Wanganui would get its share “if things are done properly.” These included a better road to Pipiriki, better hotel accommoda--lion at Pipiriki, better river steamer service, and quicker trips on the river to avoid visitors suffering from bush surfeit. Mr. Schmitt was right in emphasising the value of the internal tourist traffic and this should now be exploited. The best way to do this is to make the front door of the river attractive. That is a matter which will no doubt engage the attention of the City Council in the near future.

That the constructive criticism advanced by the manager of the Tourist Department should have come as a bombshell to those who have been so vocal concerning the river as an attraction is a matter which merits being noticed. The panegyrics concerning the bush scenery which have been indulged in are to be read alongside the absence of mention anything else. It is poor publicity lor an attraction to harp on one string only for it implies that there are deficiencies on which a discreet—or indiscreet • —silence is being maintained. Now that the lines for improvement arc known, however, it is to be hoped that there will be speedy action to bring them into being; Other improvements are required, but these need not be immediately discussed until the present schedule of work to be done has been accomplished. On the other hand the significance of Mr. Schmitt’s observation: “If things are done properly the Wanganui River will get its share of the tourist business,” should be pondered both in its positive and its negative aspects. If things are not done properly the Wanganui River cannot expect to get its share. Then there will be no legitimate ground for complaint.