HOTEL ROSTER SYSTEM

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30044, 31 January 1963, Page 14

HOTEL ROSTER SYSTEM

President Critical Of PJLO.

Mr A. McGregor, president of the Christchurch Hotels’ Association, yesterday deplored Mr E. G. Beckett’s attacking the hotel roster system without first telling the association of ’ bis criticism.

Mr Beckett, the Canterbury Public Reterione Officer, said on Tuesday that the roster system, designed to ensure fail use of hotel beds at peak times, was not working, and that persons were being turned aw»y when there were beds available in toe city.

Mr McGregor said that Mr Beckett had been consulted at all times about the roster system and was well aware of everything that had been done.

He was quite happy to see the Public Relataora Office take over the work of the “duty” hotel—ea Mr Beckett bad offered—so long as the office was prepared to provide a similar 24-hour, sevenday week service.

Hotels in Chrtotetwrch had not had full occupancy since race week and there was no accommodation emergency to warrant the “duty” hotel running a booking service for others at present, Mr McGregor said. A survey yesterday showed there wire two hotels which could provide 24 beds on February 10. the day of the State dinner for the Queen in Otatetchurch.

Mr Beckett said yesterday that he bad bad calls from several hotel licensees whose

informatton showed thpt it was quite true that beds were available for February 16—“ as we were sure there were.”

His office was pleased to have that informatton and would be able to use it when more inquiries were received. “It was just what we wanted.” said Mr Beckett. “Mr McGregor was also able to teU us of hotels with acconunmtotion availaide for the time of the Royal viatt.”