The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1933. PLIGHT OF THE TRADE.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1933. PLIGHT OF THE TRADE.

Tni? country very rightly is concerned seriously about the plight of many adjuncts to' the national well-being, and goes out of its way to- help tide over the difficult times being ex-peri-ienced. The condition of the licensing trade up and down New Zealand should be arresting enough, also, to have some- consideration at the hands of -the authorities. The trade is the main factor in the encouragement of the tourist business, for we often hear from officials of the Tourist Department that the tourist must be catered for on- pronfer lines, and to meet that requirement all the leading hotels have been brought fully Up to date. The stagnation of hotel business is not singular to New Zealand. A 'Sydney paper refers to the conditions in the Commonwealth, pointing out how proprietors are struggling to cope with the new conditions and at the same time maintain the standard of service.'' The Trade is harrassed also, not to use- a stronger term, by the rigor of the licensing law and in particular the houses of trading. The licensing law requires the proprietors to equip and maintain their places of business in a high state of efficiency. All this has been complied with readily so as to cater for the patronage of the travelling public, and there is no question about the desire to maintain premises attractive to the public to ensure good business. The hampering effect of the early closing hour is felt seriously alike by the public and the hotelkeepers. It unduly hampers trade, and nowadays is quite unnecessary for the public benefit. Early closing was a war-time measure, but that peric-d of concern is now fifteen years ' behind the present day, and it is high time it was repealed. Shorter hours were enforced but no reduction lias been made in license fees. In these times of very restricted trading and a sharp decrease in the general expenditure, the hotelkeeper is being-unfairly mulcted while fees are maintained without relief in the extension of hours. There will be a measure of opposition to these views, no doubt, but the hotelkeeper who carries on a legitimate trade necessary for the public weal, is entitled to a fair deal, and it can hardly he said he is receiving it under present conditions. The labour laws also press heavily on the Trade, as a staff must be maintained at all times to meet the possible requirements and volume of the travelling public, and there is no exception made from the rigor of the conditions imposed as to hours and pay, even when a house for a period if empty comparatively. Wages and hours have been fixed on the assumption that -business will be lucrative at all times, but there are periods of slackness, yet no let up in the enforcement of the law. The Trade, therefore has a serious position to face. Invariably, the hotels represent considerable rateable value, and the proprietors contribute liberally to the local revenue. The general outlook seems t(f call for the early revision of the licensing law to permit of facilities for transfers to districts now growing up and requiring licensed houses for the convenience of the ‘ public. It seems time a move was made for a comprehensive review of the law so that the public at large could he better served, and hotelkeepers generally might find their position easier.