BILLETING SCHEME FOR CITY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28972, 13 August 1959, Page 8

BILLETING SCHEME FOR CITY

Public Co-operation Sought

The Canterbury Public Relations Office is hoping to institute a billeting scheme in Christchurch to supplement the inadequate hotel accommodation in the city at certain times of the year. “During major events in the city, such as New Zealand carnival week and Rugby tests, hotel accommodation becomes hopelessly inadequate, with the result that mny visitors are turned away,” said the Canterbury Public Relations Officer (Mr 'E. G. Beckett) yesterday. “To provide accommodation for such occasions,' this billeting scheme is being introduced, and the assistance of Christchurch households is being sought.” People willing to co-operate in the scheme are asked to get in touch with the Public Relations Office, and a representative will call on the householder.

The scheme envisages the drawing up of a permanent list of persons willing to billet visitors at times when hotel accommodation is at a premium, and whom the Public Relations Office will be able to call upon. A scale of charges—£l to £1 10s for bed and breakfast for one person a day, or £1 10s to £2 for full board—has been suggested. To safeguard householders joining such a scheme, the Public relations Office will claim a deposit of £1 for each group or individual person who is billeted. The £1 will be deducted by the householder from the charge to the guest, and the office will send to the householder 18s, retaining 2s as a handling charge.