H—24c

In 1925, when restoration was carried, the Ashburton Club and M.S.A. again commenced to sell liquor under its charter and has over the period of years built up a large membership and probably sells the cheapest liquor in New Zealand. The Trust is fully aware that the sales of liquor for consumption off the premises by the club will be very severe competition to them. POLICY OF TRUST The policy of the Trust is that which is set out in section 26 of the Licensing Trusts Act, 1949 : (1) To provide accommodation and other facilities for the travelling public. (2) To establish and maintain hotels and suitable places for the sale of refreshments and intoxicating liquor and to establish and maintain premises for that purpose. It is felt that, as soon as possible, the Trust should acquire premises and provide accommodation of a high standard in Ashburton, and with this end in view it should open negotiations with the owners of two private hotels, the Somerset and the Grand Central, provided that reports on the condition of the buildings is'satisfactory and that they can be converted at a cost which will be economic. Failing a satisfactory report, consideration should be given to the erection of at least one new hotel. Meantime, to comply with the decision of the electors for the sale of liquor, a number of bottle stores (two at least) should be opened as soon as possible and funds built up for development purposes. The country district (Mount Somers, Mayfield, and Hinds) also requires full consideration, and negotiations have been entered into with the proprietors of the Mount Somers Hotel. The people of this district at a well-attended meeting requested the provision of a hotel, which they stressed was more than fully warranted by the everincreasing primary and secondary industries of that district. At Mayfield, a public meeting requested the provision of a bar and bottle store, followed later by a hotel. The Trust is sympathetic and will investigate and give every consideration to their wishes. Hinds, also, on the Main South Highway, should be considered for similar attention. In these districts there is an opportunity for a further service to the travelling public by the provision of refreshment-rooms and conveniences. FUTURE POLICY With the provision of two hotels and two or more bottle stores in Ashburton and one in Tinwald, the present needs of the town should be met, leaving it to the future to decide what additional accommodation is necessary. GENERAL Members of the Trust have taken a great interest and are giving fully and freely of their best to ensure that Trust Control shall be a success. They fully realize the heavy responsibilities of office and that every care must be taken to lay a foundation on which the future of this method of control may be firmly established, in accordance with the decision of the electors of the district. FINANCE To cover the cost of preliminary expenses, it has been necessary to arrange, through the Minister of Finance, for a bank overdraft of up to £l,OOO. , G. Kelly, Chairman,

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