“CENTENARY” LOSSES

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 December 1934, Page 8

“CENTENARY” LOSSES

HOTEL-KEEPERS' COMPLAINT

[BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —00PYRISHT.)

MELBOURNE, December 20. Though the height of the Centenary celebrations has been passed, the street decorations and illuminations are being continued till next month, when pylons, Venetian poles and flags will be removed, and the streets will then resume their normal appearance. The Centenary programme, however, will be continued, including many international sporting events. January will be occupied with tennis, athletic and swimming carnivals of world interest.

The hotelkeepers have complained that business has not been up to expectations throughout the celebrations. Some say that thej r have lost money in preparing for a rush of visitors. The Chairman of the Celebrations Council, Sir Gengoult Smith, described the hotelkeepers’ claim as being absurd. 'He declares that the celebrations have brought, and are still bringing, thousands of visiters weekly. He I says that, in any case, the Centenary i was not conducted for the purpose of putting money in hotelkeepers’ pockets. but for the benefit of Victoria and Australia. A complete programme of forthcoming events, particularly those relating to Melbourne’s centenary, will be announced early in the New Year.