No Price Ceiling For Casual Hotel Meals

Northern Advocate, 20 July 1949, Page 4

No Price Ceiling For Casual Hotel Meals

WESTPORT, Wed. < Sp. > —lt appeared that the price order covering casual meals in hotels was defective, said Mr H. J. Thompson, S.M.. in the Westport Court yesterday. He held that a price order quoted in support of a case against Joseph MeEnaney. proprietor of the Criterion Hotel. Westport, for charging in excess of the amount stated for two meals served to a party from Karamea on May 29, did not cover the action of the defendant. Mis decision rnay affect the system of charging for casual meals in hotels. Evidence showed that MeEnaney charged a total of 10/- each for rr.iddav and evening meals to a party of 21. Mr K. A. Maitland, t'oi the Price Tribunal, claimed that the order ruled that a total of only <! - each should have been charged. For MeEnaney. Mr M. B. Scully claimed that the order did not apply.

NOT STIPULATED There' was nothing in the; price order to say that more than 3/6 a meal could not be charged to casuals, and he contended that various figures set out covered the charges for those people using accommodation but not staying a full day. The magistrate said he agreed with Mr Scully. Accommodation was clearly defined for u guest who pays for lodgings and is occupying a bedroom.

It could be said that meals were provided by contract to the Karamea party, and they were not guests using accommodation as prescribed in the order. He dismissed the ease without hearing evidence for the defendant.