“NO PARKING” AREAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1939, Page 5

“NO PARKING” AREAS

MASTERTON HOTEL ENTRANCES. PREVIOUS COUNCIL DECISION RESCINDED. A previous decision of the Masterton Borough Council setting apart “no parking” areas in front of the main entrances of the Prince of Wales, Midland and Empire hotels was rescinded by the council at its meeting last night. The matter arose following receipt of a letter from'Mr H. T. Thomas complaining that the “no parking” area in front of the Prince of Wales Hotel encroached on his frontage to the extent of three or four feet and as a result he found that cars were continually parked in front of his shop, so that very often his own van had to stop a little way down the street. He stated that his business was penalised as a result of the present conditions. Councillor Trevor Beetham asked if the council could legally extend the “no parking” area across the shop frontage.

The Borough Inspector, Mr T. A? Russell, asked for his opinion about the “no parking” areas in'question, said he had been opposed to them right through. “These people,” he added, referring to the Prince of Wales Hotel, “never asked for a no parking area.” The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, suggested that Mr Thomas’s objections be given effect to and the “no parking" area that encroached on his frontage removed. Other councillors, however, were of the opinion that this would not get over the difficulty. Councillor G. W. Morice said he thought the council had made a mistake in having “no parking” areas in front of the hotels and he considered the previous resolution should be rescinded. It was only the Midland Hotel that had asked for it. Actually, the position for hotel clients was worse than what it was before. He moved accordingly. Councillor R. Russell seconded the motion.

The council agreed unanimously to dispense with the usual procedure of notice of motion being required. Councillor J. Ninnes, however, opposed the motion, stating that if the "no parking” areas were removed it would only make the difference of one car length. Both the Empire and the Midland said it was a very fine thing. Councillor H. E. Gardner said he had seen cars pull up further along the street from the Midland and clients had to carry their luggage to the hotel.

“No one is allowed to pull up in front of the hotel," observed Councillor Russell, “either to book in or to carry in their luggage. “Most of us are under a misapprehension.” said Councillor Trevor Beetham. “The ‘no parking’ area is there for that special purpose.” He added that exactly the same procedure was followed in Wellington. The motion was carried on the voices.