Official Attitude To Bids For Akaroa Tourist Aid

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 10

Official Attitude To Bids For Akaroa Tourist Aid

Applications to the Government for aid in providing tourist accommodation at Akaroa had been refused because they did not comply with the rules laid down by the Cabinet, not because of any discrimination against Akaroa, the general manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department (Mr K. B. Longmore) said yesterday.

“Like any other attractive resort, Akaroa would qualify almost automaiticeUy as a place where Government assistance would be given for a scheme in accordance with the Cabinet’s rules,” Mr Longmore said. "Akaroa hag plenty of natural beauty, and is not far from a major airport and seaport. If someone puts up a scheme which is financially sound and complies with the conditions of the Government’s offer in all respects it will get prompt and favourable consideration."

Mr Longmore telephoned “The Press” from Wellington after reading remarks made at the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce meeting on June 6. “I have been out of my office tor some days, and have only just seen the report, otherwise I would have commented earlier,” he said.

“The two schemes already submitted to us for Akaroa

fell far short of conforming to the Cabinet’s rules. The promoters were, however, invited to review their proposals in the light of these conditions, and the invitation still stands,” said Mr Longmore. “In writing to the promoters, I explained at length why they had been turned down. When the matter was brought up by the South Island Publicity Association, I wrote personally to some of those who had spoken, informing them of the position. I cannot understand why there is still so much misunderstanding of my department's attitude.”

' The applications were for financial assistance to build a 50-bed hotel, with four shops, on the site (enlarged) of the burned-down Hotel Metropole, made by the owner of the hotel, Mr G. A. Bryant; and for a motel, with licensed bar and restaurant, made by Mr M. A. Scandrett, of Akaroa Motels, Ltd.