MARUIA HOTEL

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30541, 9 September 1964, Page 18

MARUIA HOTEL

Reported Offer (Parliamentary Reporter) WEELLINGTON, Sept. 8. An offer to purchase Maruia Springs Hotel has been made to the present owners by a group of businessmen, who intend, if their offer is accepted, to develop the property as a tourist amenity. This information was given in Parliament today by the Minister of Tourism (Mr Eyre) in reply to a question by Mr P. Blanchfield (Opp., Westland). Mr Blanchfield asked Mr Eyre if he realised that the Maruia Springs hot baths under his department’s control had been in a neglected state since being shifted to the present site at a cost of thousands of pounds. “I have only recently learned of the unsatisfactory conditions at Maruia,” Mr Eyre said. “The Maruia Springs hot baths have been leased for many years to the Morris family, who operate the Maruia Springs Motel.

“The bath’s pump cannot function satisfactorily because of defects in the hydro plant and the stand-by diesel plant, both of which are owned and operated by the lessees. “Arrangements are already in train for two senior departmental officers and a works engineer to inspect the baths and installation and make recommendations on what remedial action should be taken. “I expect that confirmation of the firm’s offer will be made public by the end of this month,” said Mr Eyre. Mr S. A. Whitehead (Opp.; Nelson): In the event of the proposals falling .through, what does the Minister propose to do? Mr Eyre: If that happens, the lease still has a long time to go, I understand. The lessee has some responsibility. [Mr J. H. Booth, of Christchurch, proprietor of the Hanmer Lodge Hotel, and Mr J. Martini, of Whataroa, have been negotiating for some weeks to buy the Maruia Springs Hotel.]