VISITORS’ NEEDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26559, 6 September 1947, Page 6

VISITORS’ NEEDS

ACCOMMODATION PROBLEM GOOD PROGRESS MADE “ Since the appointment a fortnight ago of an official accommodation officer, the practical work of dealing with this problem has made steady progress,” said the chairman of the Accommodation Committee, Mr R. S. M. Sinclair. “An appeal by press and radio to the public of Dunedin to assist the committee by providing private accommodation has already resulted in offers from 91 householders to make provision for approximately 300 persons per night. It is hoped that the response to this appeal will continue until the committee's aim of private accommodation for 500 persons is reached. “The accommodation officer has already placed approximately 500 of the applicants being dealt with by the committee, and the organisations concerned have themselves found a considerable amount. For instance, one national organisation requiring accommodation for over 300 delegates has only 33 to place. In most instances, more than half of the job has been accomplished. “The peak periods will be the occasion of the New Zealand bowling championships, which already show promise of an overwhelming entry, the Brass Bands’ Contest, for which already 34 bands have notified their intention of entering, and the Pipe Bands’ Contest, for which an even greater number is expected. This last gathering is being held at Easter, which will also be the occasion of the New Zealand interuniversity v tournament and a special centennial bowling tournament, apart from other functions “The committee is highly appreciative of the co-operation being given by the hotels in the city and suburbs, both licensed and private, which, with one or two exceptions, are co-operating to the fullest possible extent."