The competition conducted by this Magazine on the question “What is New Zealand's Best Scenic Feature” has produced a fine assortment of opinions upon this subject. An analysis of the very large number of entries for the competition shews that in the opinion of competitors there are only six scenic features of outstanding importance. These are, the Southern Alps (including Mount Cook and Franz Josef) which attracted 16 per cent. of entries; the West Coast of the South Island, 15 per cent.; the Southern Lakes, 14 per cent.; Taranaki (with, of course, Mount Egmont), 14 per cent.; Stewart Island, 6 per cent.; Arthur's Pass and the Otira Gorge, 6 per cent.; and Waikaremoana, 4 per cent. Places which also attracted entries were—Russell, Rangitoto, Wairakei, the Wanganui River, Tongariro, the Havelock Hills (Hawke's Bay), Port Nicholson, Marlborough Sounds, Bank's Peninsula, and Fiordland. Some competitors refused to be specific in regard to any geographic feature, and in preference chose such general subjects as the mountains, the lakes, the bush, and so on.

We had expected a more general spread of opinion in regard to places whose charms are perhaps more subtle, although possibly not so well known as those mentioned in the foregoing summary, and it was surprising indeed to find, for instance, that Northland, which has so much to attract the traveller, was largely neglected, Rotorua—the best known place to visitors from overseas—was hardly mentioned, and that places like Nelson, the overland run between Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, the Wairarapa, and the Manawatu had passed observers by.

One contributor naively claimed “The Railways” to be the best scenic feature, and stoutly maintained his claim by stating that if any traveller stayed on the train he could not miss seeing the best of every worth-while feature which New Zealand has to offer. It is certainly true that the railways have served to open up the way to all those places that have gained most favour with our contributors, and have done much in the direction of giving publicity to these places.

The object of the competition was in line with the general purpose of this magazine in its national aspect, and the results shew that this has been well achieved in inducing New Zealanders to think about their own country. From sound knowledge comes the desire to travel, and further travel by New Zealanders through their own land cannot fail to increase appreciation of its grandeur and varied loveliness. Thus can be tapped those wells of sentiment from which loyalty and patriotism draw their purest draughts.

Further stimulation of the New Zealand spirit may be expected to follow from our next competition: “What has been the greatest feat in New Zealand?”

New Zealand'S Best Scenic Feature.
Result of Competition.

In the April issue of the magazine a competition upon the above subject was announced. It has drawn entries from all parts of New Zealand, and an examination of the 500-word articles received shews that the entrants, for the most part, knew their subjects thoroughly and had a genuine enthusiasm for their favourite scenic feature. The Editor called to his assistance a small committee in finalising the selection, and its members were unanimous in awarding the £5 cash prize for an article by Isobel M. Peacocke upon Wairakei. Miss Peacocke's article will be published in the July issue of the magazine, and we think readers will agree as to its outstanding merit. The names of other prize-winners will be announced next month.

A reminder is given that the next competition “What has been the greatest feat in New Zealand?” closes on the 10th June.

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