BRITISH “MONTE CARLO”

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1926, Page 1

BRITISH “MONTE CARLO”

-MALTA’S AM BJ TO US SCHEME. The island of .Malta may become another Monte Carlo which will attract thousands of visitors every winter. Dr tho Hon. Ugo Mifsud, Prime Minister of .Malta, in London on an official visit, told a “ .Morning Post ” representatives that the construction of the new Monte Carlo will ho carried out as rapidly as possible. The Government has decided to give the site of a great new hotel rout free, and will help iu every possible way to make the island gayer.

Dr .Mifsud gave a. glowing account of what Malta would be like when bis Government’s scheme lias materialised. He pointed out that, besides giving England a tourist resort which would be second to none, the scheme will be of great benefit to British trade, since, many of the contracts will be given to British firms. “ The season would lie from November to May.” said Dr .Mifsud. “Tho. Government is contemplating the erection of a great hotel. There are many hotels in .Malta, but none on the scale of the one we contemplate, ft will be built with a view to attracting visitors from all over Europe.

“ We shall build a Casino, and near the bold, which will face the sea, tho visitor will find every amenity. Tennis courts will be constructed, boathouses erected, and some distance from the seashore the polo cluli and racecourse will be easily accessible bv our guests. Few people realise v,bat a gloriousclimate Malta possesses. It is milder than the Rivcrin, and there is little rain.

“Tho Government I’oalise.s that Valet la, the capital of Malta, is neither modern nor gay enough to compete uill, Monte Carlo. \ wide moo round ii. therefore, which Inis hitherto been kepi by the military authorities, is now to be built on. II: will make the city nearly Iwire its present size. Modern .shops, theatres, and beautiful buildings will, wo hope, spring up to add to the charms of llio city. The visitor will find luxury there just- as he may now on the South Coast of Fra u,-e.

“Valetla will have ilio attractions of Monte Carlo, Nice or Biarritz, with the added advantage of being English in character.” Dr .Mifsud added: “Wo

shall do our best to keep prices from being exorbitant. ’Phis will make up for I lie longer journey. We shall be able to,do this because of the low cost, of labour in Malta, and the eagerness of the inhabitants lo lieln on our am bilious scheme.”