CHATEAU TONGARIRO

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 9

CHATEAU TONGARIRO

SUPREME COURT ACTION CLAIM BY FURNITURE COMPANY. CHRISTCHURCH, October 8. The liquidation of the Tongariro Park Tourist Company had its sequel in the Supreme Court to-day, when A. J. White, Ltd., furniture merchants, Christchurch, sued the Mount Cook Tourist Company for £10,805, an amount allegedly still owing to the plaintiffs for furnishing The Chateau at Tongariro. In the statement of claim it was set out that the Mount Cook Motor Company, formed in 1912, had increased its activities till in 1929 it had changed its name to the Mount Cook Tourist Company, and had large interests throughout New Zealand. It was intimately associated with the Tongariro Park Tourist Company. Mr R. L. Wigley was chairman of directors of each company, and there was the same secretary. In 1929 furnishings valued at £15,475 were supplied the Chateau, the freight costing £338. Subsequently £5OOO was paid by the Government, and the balance was still owing. The statement of defence was that the contract had been entered into by the Tongariro Park Company, and there was no liability on the part of the Mount Cook Tourist Company. Evidence was given by Peter O’Connell, secretary of the plaintiff company, and Albert George Aldridge, chairman of directors. Both said that they had considered the Mount Cook Company as liable for the goods, and this had been understood in a conversation with Mr Wigley. The case was adjourned until Monday.