Provision for families urged

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32860, 8 March 1972, Page 2

Provision for families urged

Lower-grade accommodation than that provided by the Tourist Hotel Corporation was vital if the Hermitage region was to be used fully, by young people and the average New Zealand family, said the chairman of a South Island Promotion Association sub-committee (Mr E. T. Beaven) yesterday.

The committee was set up to investigate promotion for the Hermitage area. Mr Beaven said his association sought immediate clarification of the comment by the Minister of Lands (Mr Maclntyre) that the Government was uncertain whether the site provided for lowergrade accommodation should not be given over to the Tourist Hotel Corporation for

more high-grade accommodation.

The association also wanted to know why a period of 20 years was considered necessary to complete the development. “The Tourist Hotel Corporation has undoubtedly made an outstanding success of its high grade accommodation, and has an area already allocated which will allow it to double its four and five-star accommodation. Therefore it certainly should not have a further allocation,” said Mr Beaven. “If the association’s objective of 1000 more beds at the Hermitage is realistic, and we think it is, all those amenities so necessary to hold visitors there must be provided. “Plans for the allocation of lower grade, two and threestar accommodation should be indicated at the earliest possible date as there are tour operators and accommodation interests seeking this information,” he said.

The association had pressed for years for more facilities for the area, and for more help for the Mount Cook National Park Board to improve tracks and access. Mr Beaven said the association also advocated the provision of a skating rink, lido pool and golf course.