Proposed canteen causes conflict

Press, 18 February 1989, Page 12

Proposed canteen causes conflict

By

ANABRIGHT HAY

The sale of grocery items in Little River has two residents locked in a conflict of interests. The owners of the Okuti Valley Camping Ground near Little River have applied to the Wairewa County Council for a licence to set up a canteen to sell a limited number of items to campers.

One of the camping ground owners, Mr Pat Robson, said some campers had complained that they could not buy films, insect repellent and suntan lotion at the local Little River Store. He said it was not his intention to return to the grocery trade but he felt campers had a right to expect to be able to get essential supplies in the area.

He intended to sell the items to campers only and was not trying to compete with the local store, which he had previously owned, he said.

The present owners of the Little River Store, Mr Geoffrey and Mrs Jennifer Taylor, said Mr Robson had gone back on a previous promise not to sell any grocery items after he sold the store. They said they stocked the items Mr Robson intended to sell campers and they were very unhappy about the situation and his application to the council to set up a canteen.