MOUNTAIN HOSTELRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1924, Page 7

MOUNTAIN HOSTELRY.

FINANCIAL POSITION. OPERATIONS SHOW DOSJ. . THE GUARANTORS MEET. After considerable discuseion on the financial position with regard to the North Egmont Hostelry, a meeting of eleven guarantors decided yesterday to adjourn till Monday afternoon, when it is hoped a larger representation of the guarantors present being Messrs \V. C. will attend to decide what means shall ■be taken to prevent them forfeiting their guarantees to meet outstanding accounts.

Yesterday’s meeting, which was held at New Plymouth,, was- presided oyer by Mr. J. S. Connett in the absent of the chairman (Mr. T. C. List), oilier guarantors present benig Messrs W.-, O. Weeton, C. H. Weston, G. Fraser, J. B. Roy, H. Cocker, J. H. Quilliam, RQuilliam, P. E- Stainton, C. Carter and Hugh Baily (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Newton King and C. E. Bellringer. “I wish to voice the regret of the committee that it cannot place before you a more satisfactory statement of accounts,” said Mr. Connett, in moving the adoption of the report and balancesheet (already published). "In past years,” he continued, “bad weather had been blamed for .poor results, and all will agree, I think, that a much better showing would be made if fine weather prevailed during our summer seasons. This, however, cannot be depended on and therefore only average conditions can be considered. An analysis of the past three years’ balance-sheets will show that there is little variation in our receipts and expenditure, but that our balance is each year on the wrong side and our financial position gradually getting worse. Last year our chairman. Mr, List, indicated to you that a Bill was being prepared for submission to Parliament, giving powers to raise money by loan to improve our financial position and permit of a more progressive policy being adopted for popularising the mountain. This Bill is included amongst the possibles for consideration this session, but whatever chances it may have of getting through, our present position is such as to call for immediate consideration for our liabilities exceed the overdraft limit by £926 4s sd, and this means that accounts are due which cannot be paid.

SUPPORT FROM CITIZENS. Mr. Connett said New Plymouth was fortunate in having many natural beauty spots and attractions which were being developed by enthusiastic and energetic committees for the benefit of the community, The mountain would always be one of ■the greatest assets as an attraction to visitors, and local people, and New Plymouth citizens fully realised this. They only needed a lead to give support to any scheme that would increase its popularity. "While the raising of a loan would relieve guarantors of their liability and possibly provide more money for additional comforts and attractions to visitors, it was very doubtful indeed if, with the variable climate, they could depend on getting sufficient revenue to balance expenditure. Therefore some scheme should be devised for raising supplementary revenue from time to time, so that the committee would not be hampered for finance as at present. Matters for congratulation were the facts that Taranaki county had during the year completed its bitumen work on the Junction Road to the county boundary at the chain bridge, that the Inglewood county had a similar work in hand, and that the Egmont Road from Junction Road to the Egmont National Park had been declared a main highway from the highway fund?. Unfortunand in future would receive assistance ately the metal road through the reserve had worn into a weak condition, and difficulty had been experienced in maintaining it in good order. “We are however, expecting a visit from Mr. G T. Murray, of the Public Works Department, who will furnish a report on its condition to the Government with a view to obtaining a grant for its repair,” added Mr. Connett. "It is most important that good road connection aboirid be maintained •with the Mountain House so that visitors may be motored out at any season of the year.” RECEIPTS DECREASING. In commenting on the balance-sheet, Mr. Connett pointed out that in the years 1922, 1923, and 1924, the liabilities had been £3768 5s lOd, £4204 Or 6d, and £4426 4s 5d respectively. The assets had been £4940, £5005 and £5030. The total working costs in the three years had been £>1909, £l9OO and £1664, a steady reduction, but the accommodation receipts had also decreased from £1531 to £1494 10a and then to £1450.

The striking feature of the 1924 balance-sheet, he concluded, was the reduction in working expenses of £lOO in provisions, £lOO in wages, and £5O in fuel, which was a tribute to the good management of Mr. and Mrs. Briance, who were deserving of the best thanks. He would like also to express his thanks to Mr. Baily, who had had most of the responsibility during the year, and his committee, who had assisted him in Mountain House matters during Mr. List’s absence. THE POSITION DISCUSSED. ih reply to a question the secretary stated that the metal on the track was entire!v worn out. Mr. C. H. Weeton: Could not the lessee pay more rent for the hostel? The secretary: No one will take over the lease at a higher rental. No one will pay sufficient even to pay the interest on the building. Mr. Weston: What about the fees? Could not they be raised? The secretary: Even now several guarantors consider they are too high. Continuing, the secretary said that February and March were the months during which the hostel must be popularised. It was always full at Christmas and Easter time. Furthermore, the road was still in a very satisfactory state. Owing to the state of the wewther in the winter the metal that had been crushed could not even be spread. An endeavour was being made at the present time to fill in the worst ruts. The time had long gone past, said Mr, Stainton, when the dual control of the old and the new house should be

done away with. Most of the New Plymouth visitors went to the old house because they could do so for a mere bagatelle. The interests of the two houses must bo amalgamated or the guarantors would have to pay up. Something must also be done, he eaid, with regard to the provision of more entertainment at the hostel. People wanted to gjQr-to some place where they could •bask “-nr the sun, or play tennis, or indulge in a variety of relaxations. As tilings were at present they left as soon as ths' weather broke. , Mr.^Carter: .How much do we want to make the hostel pay? The secretary: A minimum of £2OO a year beyond the present revenue. Mr. C. H. Weston: Would it be any good reducing the season, cutting out November and April? The secretary: That arrangement might be better, for the hostel does not begin’ to pay until December, but the lessee might not agree to a shortening of the season. Such an action would materially alfect the wages at the hostel -Mr. Cocker; It aeems to me the only thing to do is reduce the large overdraft of £32’13 19s 8d at the bank. The -townspeople should be asked to do something in the matter. The chairman: But even then, without intereet to pay, the revenue would hardly support the » hostel. URGENTLY NEEDS ATTENTION. Referring to the mountain track the chairman explained that the whole road needed re-metalling from end to end. He had interviewed Mr. G. T. Murray when he was in Wellington and the latter had promised to inspect -the track in the near future. Approximately 200 yards of metal had been broken last winter and 50 or 60 yards had still to >be spread, but it would take from 2000 to 2500 yards to do the road up properly. A grant of £250 from the Government would be helpful but would not go very far. / The guarantee, he continued, was only for £3200, but there was a moral obligation for more than that which the guarantors must be prepared to face. In reference to obtaining supplementary revenue, he need only point out how the public had put their shoulders to the wheel in developing Moturoa seaside, Ngamotu beach and paladium, Kawaroa, East End, Pukekura Park, Western Park and the High School. No doubt they vould do the same for the Mt. Egmont hostel. What was chiefly wanted at the house, he concluded, were new furnishings, better attractions for wet weather such as billiard rooms, dancing floors, etc., new tracks through the bush, better seating accommodation for elderly people and a tennis court. He would like to see the committee ask the Mayor to call a general meeting of townspeople to see what could be done in the matter. The report and balance-sheet were then adopted. After further discussion it was decided to adjourn the meeting till next Monday afternoon.