MOTOR CAMP AT QUEENSTOWN

Southland Times, Issue 24339, 21 January 1941, Page 6

MOTOR CAMP AT QUEENSTOWN

Petition To Borough Council VISITORS’ COMPLAINT ABOUT CONDITIONS “We, the undersigned, being at present camped on your reserves, wish to register an emphatic protest against the disgusting sanitary conditions.” This was the opening sentence of a petition bearing 200 signatures recently sent to the Queenstown Borough Council complaining of conditions at the motor camp ground at Queenstown. A copy of the petition was received at the meeting of the general committee of the Automobile Association (Southland) last night. The petition continued: “Not only are the sanitary arrangements extremely primitive, but they are quite inadequate for the number of persons who have been compelled to use them since before Christmas. Many of us have camped in grounds all over the Dominion, but nowhere else, where charges are made, are the conveniences so filthy and crude. We are of the . opinion that any money spent in providing amenities would be amply repaid by the increased number of satisfied patrons who would be your beautiful town’s best advertisement.”

Mr D. J. Wesney said the complaint was a hardy annual. He had told one of the petitioners that the matter was really one for the Otago Association. The complaints were justified, because there was no doubt that the conditions were disgusting, and Queenstown was going to suffer because motorists would not go to the camping ground unless an improvement was made. Mr F. E. R. Booth said that these complaints had been made for years and it was high time something was done. It was decided to forward the letter to the Otago Association with a suggestion that action be taken and also i with an assurance that the Southland Association would give all the support in its power. GORE CAMP Reporting on the Gore camping grounds, Patrol Officer McColl said that in his opinion the site was a splendid one as it was surrounded by high trees which gave adequate shelter. However, campers were not allowed to go on the ground proper as the grass was wanted for hay. There was a camp kitchen in a bad state of repair and one outside fireplace. The conveniences were badly in need of attention. Any campers he had spoken to were agreed that it was an ideal place, but they would sooner pay a nominal fee and have hygenic surroundings and facilities. The Camp Ground Regulations 1936 were not being observed at the Gore camp. It was decided to refer the report to the camping committee. Mr Wesney said that it appeared that hot and cold showers were now’ avail- . able at all good camping grounds and | that campers expected these facilities. He moved that it be a recommendation ; to the camping committee to consider I the question of providing hot and cold showers at the Invercargill motor camp. Mr Charles Campbell seconded the I motion. | The chairman (Mr M. M. Macdonald) I said he thought that additional conveniences were also required at the | camp. | Tire motion was carried.