EXHIBITION HOTEL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 8, 10 July 1939, Page 11

EXHIBITION HOTEL

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —I notice the reference to use of liquor in the Wellington East "dry area" in connection. with the new hotel being built. In view of this company having registered with one of its avowed objects to trade as licensed victuallers, will the Mayor, as the chief citizen representing and administering the affairs of the citizens, reply to ■ the followng questions? Seeing he has made us shareholders, it is naturally expected that he will scak out and inform himself, so as to" pass the information on to us, of- the true facts. The questions are: — 1. Was any application made for a licence or permission to trade in liquor in connection with these hotel operations? 2. Has any application been made to bring liquor into this dry area for use in any shape or form in connection j with this hotel? 3. Has any permission been granted for the use of liquor in any shape or form and, if so, by whom and under j what conditions? 4. Is it true that (a) an application was made for permission to trade m liquor; (b) that later another application was made to dispense liquor ps restaurateurs; (c) a further attempt was made for power to dispense liquor at dinners, public functions, etc.? As a citizen, a property owner, and now a shareholder through the council's action. I think I am entitled to 1 know the true and all the facts, and it seems to me direct questions to the foum am head with straightforward answers are the only way of getting this. In view of the electors having voted 56.4 per cent, against bringing liquor into this dry area, it appears to me undemocratic to over-ride and circumvent this. I know many of my fellowratepayers are anxious in regard to this matter and would appreciate full and prompt acknowledgment and reply.—l am, etc., RATEPAYER.

This matter was referred to the Mayor, who has authorised the publication Of the following reply:— "The reply to all the questions asked by the correspondent is in the negative. There has never been any suggestion or attempt made in connection with the Exhibition Hotel to obtain a permit for the sale of intoxicating liquor and the correspondent may rest assured that no such application wall b made. The purpose of the hotel is to provide essential accommodation during the period of the Exhibition and also for some year thereafter, and I am satisfied that it will perform a most useful service for the community generally. i