TRUST HOTEL AT WHAKATANE LIKED BY COUNCILLORS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 11, 17 March 1950, Page 5

TRUST HOTEL AT WHAKATANE LIKED BY COUNCILLORS

A decision to consider the possible application by the council of a license for a trust hotel at Whakatane was reached by the monthly meeting of the Whakatane Borough Council on Wednesday night and it was decided after some discussion to leave it for consideration by the Finance Committee with power to act. Should the committee think it would be worth while applying for a license then the* council is to hold a poll of ratepayers on the question.

The discussion opened when regulations covering the control of trust hotels by local bodies was placed before the meeting. Cr A. O’Rourke thought it would be a great thing for the town if such an hotel could be established. It would be a good investment for the council and a possible source of revenue. Such a scheme controlled by the council was worthy of consideration and he thought it should be referred to the Finance Committee for action, Cr H. G. Warren remarked.

The Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, said he did not like the scheme too much because the feeling was at present that local body trust hotels were not paying. Cr Warren: It will probably pay in this district. Cr E. R. Dillicar said that if a scheme was possible the council should have a poll and find out what the public are thinking. Be guided by the people. The Mayor pointed out that a decision would have to be reached soon as applications for the license closed on April 18. The town clerk, Mr L. D. Lovelock, said he had heard that centres which had trust hotels were doing very well.