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Conducted party and group tour work has developed greatly at this Bureau. Dicnedm. —An increase of approximately £20,000 brought the total business for the year to about £120,000. Conducted party tours were popular, a good number having been operated. Resorts in the district have been patronized fully, and in some instances, such as Queenstown and Wariaka, have been overtaxed, excepting for about three months of the " pff season." Inver cw gill.—Passenger-booking sales were more than double those of any pre-war year. The turnover amounted to £35,000. Queenstown Inquiry Bureau. —The principal activities of this honorary office were to secure accommodation for visitors. The business was heavier than that of the preceding year. Accommodation has been difficult to obtain, and many applicants were placed with private houses on a bed-and-breakfast basis, but during the peak periods great numbers were turned away. Provision oji adequate accommodation facilities at this popular resort has been engaging the attention of this Department for some time past, and it is hoped that some means may yet be devised for improvement. Any movement by private enterprise having that object in view will have the support of the Department. All side-trips and excursions around Queenstown were heavily booked during the season. Some overseas patrons were among the visitors. jßooking Agencies.—The various Booking Agencies of the Department are located in most main centres of New Zealand and they provide similar service to that which is extended by the Government Tourist Bureaux in the main cities. They have again performed their duties for the Department in a very creditable manner, and- their close co-operation and unvarying interest is appreciated. Our agencies have made a considerable contribution to this year's record business. REVIEW OF THE YEAR'S WORK I. ADVERTISING B-e-plcmmng of Literature.—The work of preparation of advertising booklets has been completed, but the printing programme has been delayed. Large quantities of booklets and miscellaneous publications are required to ensure adequate coverage in New Zealand and in overseas countries, but the physical limitations associated with paper shortages and printing difficulties have hampered output. 1 Special Oolour Film.—Mr. B. H. Scott, who will be remembered as the New Zealand resident of Chicago, 111., U.S.A., who has rendered unique services to New Zealand members of the Armed Forces in North America during the war years, undertook a comprehensive tour through both main islands during the summer of 1946 t -47. With outstanding equipment of ultra-modern type, he secured some 4,000 ft. of 16 mm. colour film covering most of the major resorts of this country. This film, which is expected to serve a useful purpose overseas, was presented to the people of New Zealand —and specifically to this Department—as a "personal tribute to our unequalled scenic attractions."

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