TOURIST TAKE DOWNS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11763, 29 July 1916, Page 7

TOURIST TAKE DOWNS.

JOY RIDES FOR BOGUS CUSTOMS.

"If you want to visit the picture spots of Auckland cheaply the best idea is for you to become a prospective buyer," stated Mr C. F. Bennett, at the annual meeting of the Auckland Land Agents' Association this v,'eek. The speaker complained that it had become the boast of a certain unscrupulous class of cheap holiday-maker iiud tourist that, they could go into a land agent's office and requisition the use of a motor-car for days and tour the country in grand style without paying a cent. He did not know how they could combat the evil—for a sin it really was ax tho present priuo of ben--2iue-^-(laughter)—but he suggested that by co-operative action the land agent might scotch the bogus inquirer. 'The practice was not confined to Auckland, continued the speaker, for he had received complaints that in the south strangers, and sometimes townsfolk, were in the habit of inquiring for country properties with the object of obtaining nice outings on the cheap. Other members joined in the protest, stating that they had spent from £5 to £lO in giving joy rides to bogus customers. one speaker suggesting that the land agents should insist upon the customers paying their own expenses and then refunding them in the event of a deal. The matter -was referred to the committee to endeavour to find a solution.