INCREASE IN TRAVEL

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21358, 28 February 1941, Page 4

INCREASE IN TRAVEL

In spite of war conditions, New Zealand tourist organisations have had the privilege of being host to a greater number of travellers in the present year than is usual. In fact, only major attractions such as last year’s centennial exhibition have ever promoted a greater movement of tourists than the financial year that is now nearing its close. Not only have New Zealanders themselves travelled more freely within their own country, but a constant stream of visitors has been received from overseas.

People on furlough, particularly from India and the Malay States, are increasingly turning their attention to the Dominion. This is due to some extent to the fact that Britain is engaged in too serious a task to act as host to the usual number of visitors. The trend is also in continuation of a movement begun long before the war. New Zealand is becoming more widely known for its climate and its contrast to the wearing conditions in India and the Malay States. In addition, almost the whole of Europe is closed to visitors. It is unfortunate that at such a time the rigours of war should place such serious restrictions upon shipping, but that is part of the price that must be paid for victory, and other countries are suffering much more severely than New Zealand.

The increased tendency of New Zealanders to travel in their own country is further reflected in railway revenue figures. The remarkable increase in the returns is due to some extent to the petrol restrictions driving motorists to the railway, but that is not the whole story. Railway travel would have increased even if motoring were not entailed. The general public has more money to spend and has greatly increased leisure on its hands; these are the main reasons for the marked increase in travel. Whether this means a waste of time, energy and wealth that might be put to other and more urgent purposes is another matter. It is at least comforting to know that there is still a reserve that may be called upon.