Borough Declines Application For Mobile Dining Car

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 59, 29 July 1965, Page 1

Borough Declines Application For Mobile Dining Car

Taupo Borough Council followed its past policy and declined an application to operate a mobile diner when it met on Monday night. Although the applicatior received some support dur ing discussion, there was nc dissent when the Mayor, Mr J. E. Story, proposed the resolution declining it. The applicant, Mr R. R. Lane, explained that the mobile diner would be carpeted and patrons would be served with meals inside, where seating would be provided. There would not be an exterior awning. The cooking equipment would be modern and the diner wotild cost £2500. From inquiries he had made, there was a demand for meals beyond the hours already provided for in Taupo, particularly for truck drivers and motorists travelling by night. He proposed to operate the diner from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. X •* Cr G. Marlow said there had been several approaches for this type of amenity in the past. The applicant intended to service the travelling public in particular after the usual hours of trading. Provided the applicant could meet the requirements of the local body, provide the

facilities up to a good standard of health, and "pay a decent licence fee" to the local body, there seerhed no reason why such an amenity should not be established. i Cr C. J. N. Newbold said - that in some districts the > diners served a purpose. * However, in Taupo, at presi ent a number of businesses traded for longer hours than usual. "I believe that to a certain extent they rely on the available trade. "One business is open until mid-night on week days and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. "It is our duty to see these restaurants are encouraged and have no unfair competition." Cr C. I. Jacoby said it was yet to be proved that the passing public was adequately served. Mr Story: There is a lot to it — sewage and water connections to make. As a council there should be no consideration of the economics of the matter, said Cr J. M. Stanley after members had mentioned this matter. However, he said it had always been his impression that "pie carts" were not conducive to reasonable behaviour in the night. Cr Stanley added that he did not like the suggested site, opposite Meredith Hollis Motors. Mr Story then moved that the application be declined and the resolution was carried.