BRITISH “MONTE CARLO”

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 11 January 1926, Page 8

BRITISH “MONTE CARLO”

MALTA’S AMBITIOUS SCHEME. t The island of Malta may become an- * other Monte Carlo which will attract thousands of visitors every winter. ])r. the Hon. Ligo Mitsud. Prime Minister of Malta, in London on an 1 official visit, told a Morning host representative that the construction ot the new Monte Carlo will be carried out as rapidly as possible. The Gov- j eminent has decided to give the site or su great new hotel rent free,' and will help in every possible way to make the island gayer. Dr Mifsud gave a glowing account of what Malta would he like when his Government’s scheme had materialised. J He pointed out that, besides giving England a tourist resort which would , be second to none, the scheme would ’ be of great benefit to British trade, J since many of the contracts will be given to British firms. “'l'he season would be from November to May,” said Dr. Mifsud. ‘‘The Government is contemplating the erec_ lion of a great hotel. There are many hotels in Malta, but none on the scale of the one we contemplate. It will he built with a view to attracting visittors from all over Europe. “We shall build a casino, and near the hotel, which will face the sea, the visitor will find every amenity. Tennis courts will he constructed, boathouses erected, and some distance from the seashore the nolo club and racecouise will be easily*accessible to our guests. Few people realise what- a glorious climate Malta possesses. It is milder than the Biviera, and there is little rain. . “The Government realises that \ alctta the capital of Malta, is neither modern nor gav enough to compete with Monte Carlo. A wide area round it, therefore, which has hitherto been kept by the military authorities, is now to' he built on. It will make the citv nearly twice its present size. Modern shops, theatres, and beautiful buildings will, we hope, spring un to add to the charms of the city. Ibe visitor will find luxury there just as he may now on the South Coast of France. . ~ “Valetta will have the attractions ot ! Monte Carlo Nice, or Biarritz, with • the added advantage of being English 1 in character.” Dr. Mifsud added: i “We shall do oiir best to keep prices ! from being exorbitant. This will make ■ up for the longer journey. We shall 1 be able to do this because ot the t low cost of labour in Malta, and the - eagerness of the inhabitants to help on our ambitious scheme.”