CORRESPONDENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume LIII, Issue 167, 16 July 1919, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

- <* — "FULL UP."

[to thb editor. 1

Sir, —I notice by Thjj Expkess that the Chamber of Commerce has started a campaign for the> purpose of what is termed "boosting" Marlborough. This campaign is deserving of every success, and everyone who is in favor of progress and against stagnation must give it his or her laest support. There is one matter, however, which [ think should be taken into consideration in connection with this scheme, and that is the question of accommodation for visitors in Blenheim. No doubt the Chamber of Commerce looks forvvard to a considerable influx of population as the outcome of its efforts. Theso people, while looking about for properties to buy, must stay in lodgings—either in the hotels or in boarding-houses—and where, i>uder present circumstances, are they to find accommodation? I have been a lesident of Mavlborought for a good few years and can honestly say that it is far''harder to get decent bed and board in Blenheim to-day than it was ten years ago. The principal hotels are always full, and unless one has engaged rooms in advance there is the greatest difficulty in securing thorn. Travall'.rs and country people alike can find no pleasure in staying in Blenheim while these conditions prevail, and from present appearances there is no likelihood of any improvement in tho near future. Perhaps it will be argued that there is no inducement to build large hotels while the present uncertainty regarding the liquor question continues; but hotels do not exist merely for the purpose of gratifying thirst— or perhaps I should say "should .not" so exist, for I have in mind a certain Licensing Committee which' allowed a certain building to -be! erected which contains only a minimum of accommodation, for boarders. Another place, destroyed by -ire a few years ago, was rebuilt at a cost only amounting to the insurance-money; result, a smaller building, and less accommodation", than before. If we. are to attract people to Marlborough we must have accommodation for them in the capital town, pnd if the .owners of the hotels will not provide it somebody else will have to do so. In 'other places there are some splendid private hotels, up to date in every respect, gwith grounds nicely laid out, aad the best of service. Why should Blenheim not have such an establishment ? I can guarantee that, if it were properly conducted, it would not lack for pations, but on the other hand-would attract people—and their money-—to Blenheim, and thus help the place along. ,

COUNTRY COUSIN