Franz Josef ‘Will Rival Hermitage’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30823, 7 August 1965, Page 1

Franz Josef ‘Will Rival Hermitage’

(From Our Own Reporter)

GREYMOUTH, August 6.

The new Franz Josef Hotel in South Westland would become a great rival to the Hermitage, Mr E. Colbeck, head of the Tourist Hotel Corporation, said today. With other members of the corporation Mr Colbeck flew from Wellington to Hokitika then went on to the Franz Josef Glacier.

Mr Colbeck said the bar of the hotel would be officially opened on August 28. The transfer of the temporary licence would enable the new bar to be opened at 4.30 p.m., which would coincide with the end of the Rugby match between the Springboks and the Maoris at Wellington the same afternoon.

Free beer would be supplied to all the hotel’s pioneer customers, in keeping with traditional West Coast hospitality. The opening would also coincide with the supply of electricity. The second stage of the opening of the hotel would be in September, when the first paying guests would be accommodated. On, November 4, two days before the official opening of the Haast Pass road by the Prime Minister, the hotel would be officially opened. The man to perform the ceremony has been chosen but his name will not be

announced until the next meeting of the corporation. The fine weather, which has been experienced on the West Coast for the last week, has added to the pleasure of Mr Colbeck's visit. He said the hotel would provide the West Coast with a tremendous new facility. The Hermitage was the mecca of most tourists to the South Island; the new hotel in South Westland would become a serious rival. This could alter the present pattern of tourists first heading to the Hermitage and then covering -the rest of the South Island as a secondary part of their tour. Mr Colbeck said it would not be necessary for the corporation to provide another hotel on the West Coast. However, he saw a need for further comfort and service stations along the new road and the corporation was interested in the establishment of such facilities as barbecue pits at suitable scienic spots.