Sub-Standard Motels

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31002, 7 March 1966, Page 14

Sub-Standard Motels

Sir, —Since many Christchurch people journey to the north of the South Island for their holidays, I would like to draw attention to a racket being worked by a motelowner at a popular beach in the Motueka-Nelson area. According to the A.A. handbook and the advertisements these particular motels consist of six attractive three-star-plus units. The unsuspecting holidaymaker is offered one of these unite, paying a substantial deposit, but on arrival is shown to sub-standard accommodation consisting of stor-age-space for plumbing facilities of all units in permanent semi-darkness. A concrete pillbox some distance away serves as the kitchen. Needless to stay, this “unit” is unlisted and ungraded, but the charges are as for three star-plus, on a “take it or leave it” basis, the proprietor knowing full well that after travelling about 300 miles one is reluctant to refuse.—Yours, etc., SUNDOWN. March 1, 1966. [The general manager of the A.A.C. (Mr E. S. Palliser) says: “If ‘Sundown’ is a mem-

ber of the Automobile Association (Canterbury) and would care to make a specific complaint to the association this would be investigated immediately.” ]