THE WAITOMO CAVES.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15319, 21 August 1923, Page 8

THE WAITOMO CAVES.

ACCOMMODATION QUESTION

WELLINGTON, Monday.

"I baro had a promise from the Prime Minister to And sufficient money for installing electric light in the caves at Waiiomo," said the Minister in charge of tourist resorts, the Hon. W. Nosworfchy,' in replying to discussion on the estimates for his department, in the House of Representatives. He added that he -would also see what could be done in regard to extending the hostel accommodation.

x Mr 3. C. fiollcston (Waitomo) had previously urged the necessity for a greater sum to develop the caves. He did not think the Minister realised •what a great asset 'New Zealand had in the oaves. There was nothing lite the glow-worm cave anywhere in the yportd. More accommodation should be provided, and if there were other attractions, such at bowling green* and lennis courts, people would go lown from Auckland and the . Waikato io: week-raids. Could not the Yfrawter give greater :-<un>iicity to the caves ? Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, supported Mr Rolleston's claims. The Prime Minister referred to a ▼istt he .paid to some caves in England which were lighted with electricity and said It oocurerd to him at the time what a fine'thing it would.be to have that done at the Waitomo Caves. He (fid. not think it would interfere with the glow-worms.

Mr* Wllford: You would not see them in electric light. Mr Massey: I do not think the lights ishould be near the giow-wonns. *I. am in perfect agreement that we.should do more in regard to these caves than we have done. : Mr W. H. Field (Otaki) said it was a reproach that no tourist could stay •at the Waitomo Caves hostel for more Ithan one night.