THE TEMPERANCE HOTEL

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2680, 8 November 1882, Page 3

THE TEMPERANCE HOTEL

To the Editor of the Gloie.

Sib, —I think it a great pity that “Shareholder ’’ should have acted so unadvisedly as to rush into print to attack the management of the Temperance Hotel. A far wiser and more effectual course would have been to have brought any mismanagement under the notice of the directors. If there were any mismanagement, I think it would have been better for “ Shareholder ” to have learned that fine injunction —" Tell it not in Gath,’’ &c. The Christchurch publicans would rejoice in the destruction of the Temperance Hotel. I therefore think “ Shareholder ’’ has acted a very imprudent part in referring to the management in the maimer that he has done. But when it is open to question whether his charges are true, it is even worse on his part. Nay, more, when his charges are absolutely untrue he is altogether blameworthy. His charges are five in number, and not one of them is true. Ist. Boarders have not now “to find the billiard-room by way of the yard or Bedford Bow.” 2nd. “ This room is ‘ not ’ rented by the Young Men’s Association.’’ It was some time ago, but that is quite a different matter. 3rd. The revenue is not 10s per night from the room leading to the billiard-room ; it is oftener nothing, and never 10s, the highest being only about ss. As a matter of fact, the revenue from this room has not paid for the gas and coal consumed in it. And so far from visitors spending a “ shilling each in coffee ” or other refreshments, they often used the room for hours, and then tore up the cards, and never paid a penny either for the use of the room or for the cards. 4th. Tire charge of one shilling per hour was only made after a long display of niggardliness as above described. 5. It is not true that the boarders are shut out from the smoking-room. 6th. The lights being out at eleven o’clock in unoccupied rooms, is, I should think, rather a sign of good management than otherwise. If the Temperance Hotel is to pay, it is desirable that a “shareholder” who has invested the large sum of five pounds should be a little less officious, and that rowdy roughs should be made to pay for their coal, gas light, and accommodation. If “ Shareholder ” and those who think with him, do not want to break up the Temperance Hotel, they had better keep themselves in their proper place and not meddle with things they not understand. Yours, &c., SENSE.