New Zealand on the Map.

World tourists are finding New Zealand to be the prize tit-bit of all their travels, and no promoter of long cruises can now really afford to leave this Dominion out of a really worthwhile itinerary. In February, the “Lurline” landed a train-load of happy tourists for Rotorua.

The travellers were delighted with the wonders of the Thermal Region. Special trains were run, and the Auckland “Star” remarked that the efforts of the Railway Department were much appreciated by the visitors, who said that the appointments of the train, and especially the carriages, were the equal of anything they had been used to in their own country.

The Auckland District Manager of the Government Tourist Department also wrote on behalf of the tourists to express thanks for the excellent train provided and the general arrangements made for the comfort of these visitors on the journey. “The many I spoke to,” he said, “were enthusiastic about the carriages and the smooth running of the train. They also appreciated the assistance of the Railway Business Agent (Mr. Orton), Guard Wallace, and the attendant.” It appears also that the meals provided at Frankton Railway Refreshment Rooms were favourably commented on by all the tourists.

Then, in the same month, the “Carinthia” had a fine train party of eighty-five tourists who were making a longer stay in the Dominion. The Department sent a Business Agent to accompany this party on their run, by special trains from Auckland to Hangatiki (for Waitomo Caves) and Rotorua, and from National Park to Wellington.

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