ENCLOSING HOTEL BALCONIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 17 January 1925, Page 4

ENCLOSING HOTEL BALCONIES

OPPOSITION BY CITY COUNCIL

MATTER' REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

Some discussion ensued at the Council meeting last evening arising out of an application by ’ 'a* fu-hr v>f builders to enclose the balcony of a city hotel . The Mayor considered the matter was an important one. He. did not know, of aiiy other place in New Zealand which permitted such a thing. The Engineer said that no doubt- the work was intended to provide sleeping accommodation. Cr. Edwards strongly opposed any ratepayer being allowed to utilise balconies leaning over the streets, for purposes other than ordinary use. Some years ago the Council granted a license for a balcony to he used as tea rooms. This was he said a very wrong and dangerous practice. If the application were granted it would mean that people would be accommodated on the balcony, and he did not think this was a. rigiit thing unless the Council adopted some principle whereby some revenue could be derived from it. Cr. Nightingale agreed. He would not object to balconies being screened in in time of rush ; but he objected to their being built in permanently. Cr. Watson did not think the Council would object to the erection of canvass screens in case of emergency. Cr. Edwards moved, seconded by Cr. Nightingale, that the application he declined.

Cr. Coltman said he understood the work applied for was of a temporary nature only. Hp did not uphold balconies being used for sleeping accommodation; but he thought some provision should be made in the case of emergency for hotel-keepers to accommodate, visitors. He moved an amendment that the letter be referred to committee.

Seconded by Cr. Russell, who saw noobjection to *a moveable screen being put up. The City Engineer said it was not- a temporary screen. The amendment was carried.