HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 October 1943, Page 2

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

POSITION IN MASTERTON SERIOUS, DEMOLITION OF TWO BUILDINGS PROPOSED. Considerable speculation exists in Masterton as to future accommodation for the travelling public, in of tenders having been called for the demolition of the Empire and Midland hotels. Three of the four hotels in Masterton suffered earthquake damage and in consequence, two have been closed down, the Prince of Wales and the Eny pire. This in itself reduced accommodation by fifty per cent. The Empire and the Midland hotels belong to the same owners. It is understood that in view of the extensive nature of the reconstruction work demanded by the authorities to ensure a specified standard of structure, with a view to public safety, the owners considered that it would be better; to demolish both buildings and rebuild one modern hotel, rather than expend a considerable amount of money and still have an old building. The tenders for the demolition of these two buildings closed on Monday. Several tenders were received. In the case of the Prince of Wales Hotel, which has been closed since the earthquakes of last year, considerable reconstruction is required before the building can be used by the public. It is understood that efforts have been made to secure a lessee, but so .far without success.

The position as a whole is one of vital concern to Masterton and the district. It is felt that sooner or later, in the interests of the community, something will have to be done to provide the accommodation now lacking.