HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1925, Page 1

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

I’HIMK MIXJKTKK. PBOMISKS A BfBI.. WELLINGTON', Aug. 7. A deputation from the Moderate League waited on the Prime Minister this morning to urge licensing legislation this session and the inclusion of corporate control. Atvhdenon 'Williams said the delegates had come from all parts of the Dominion. They represented members of the Anglican clergy, Moderate League. Associated Clubs it ml the licensin'!; trade. Generally speaking they were opposed to prohibition, which they did not look on .as a. reform, but they did waul reform of Ihe present licensin'; system and the substitution of the eoroporatc control issue for State control in the ballot paper. (liber speakers were Bishop Hichams (Dunedin), Canon .lames (Auckland), .Messrs \Y. Perry. M. A. Carr, A. T. Duncan. (Christchurch) and P. Coyle (president of the Licensed \ ictnailers’ Association). The Prime Minister, in reply, said: There is no doubt in my mind that while the two factions are squabbling about whether they will have prohibition or liipior. the public is suffering. Is it possible for the legislature to be abb' to ignore the two tactions and improve the laws which govern the sale of liquor and accommodation of the public:-' It seems to me that if anything is to he done along these lines you would have to ignore the wishes of those who believe in total prohibition, and those who believe in the trade itself. That is the only line we can possibly take it we are going to bring about imporvement. Is improvement necessary:"' ’those ol us wlm move about the country say it is essential. ami that control of liquor and improvement in accommodation are vital. That is the opinion f have formed. As someone lias remarked, lor thirty yeat it has been a. question of whether there should ho a total prohibition or t oiitiuuauee. Pnder existing conditions T think any reasonable person will say if there are ills they should he righted, because you might go another thirty years and go from had to worse. ’ Those are my personal views. 'Whether they please or displease is not a matter of great consideration to me. but it is right the public should know. You ask me to bring down legislation this year in accordance with the promise of the late Prime Minister that a. Bill would he submitted for members ol Parliament to deliberate upon. I am unable to inform you whether a Bill 11111 he placed before Parliament this year. As a matter of fact Cabinet, is considering the question at the moment. I have not had an opportunity of going to the country and asking whether it thinks me titled to lead the parly in Parliament. or whether I am titled to ho leader of the Government or whether tile Government. 1 represent is satisfactory to the people. I hat j s ono point which I think must ali'eet iT" position to some extent. I will say this, that apart altogether from the promises of the late Prime Minister that Parliament should have an opportune v of considering licensing legislation I think 1 can say quite definitely that Parliament will have an opportunity ol considering licensing legislation or improvement in the licensing laws in New Zealand, ii not during this Parliament then in future, if - the group I represent is returned to Parliament. If we are unable to bring down legislation ibis session then next session Parliament will have an opportunity of considering a Bill, and that Bili will he on the lines that have boon suggested. We know perlectly wi ll that actomnwdntion in New Zealand to-day in regard to hotels N not what, people euming from other countries expect. How t-iiu you make it betterlt is quite obvious that those

who are interested in hotel accommodation arc not spending the money necessary to provide for improved accommodation. I lial is the ease all over the country, and to-day it is difficult to ace auinodaie even a party or fortv in any hotel in New Zealand. We have tourists coming from other par!-, of tlie world, hut we have to split them up into small parties, which make, it expensive for us. Me cannot (piote the prices^we would like and cannot give them the accommodation they look for. It this count it is to become attractive, then good accommodation must be available. As tar as ju;iy say that the law should he lightened up. We then can feel that the own population is concerned, we one dup. We then can feel that -A best thought has been given to the reform of the trade.