Government Hostels.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 579, 8 October 1932, Page 8

Government Hostels.

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—l was very pleased to read vour editorial opposing the National Expenditure Commission's recommendation that Government hostels at tourist resorts should be left to private enterprise. Theirs is, of course, an oblique way of closing them down, for this is no time to find private buyers, or even to sell out without loss. But, as in its recommendations regarding economies in the Public Health Department, the Commission has disregarded all but the immediate monetary considerations. But even considering only the financial aspect ’of this question, the Commission is suggesting that New Zealand should cut off her nose to spite her face, for who can estimate the potential wealth our tourist - resorts may bring into the country? New Zealand is just becoming known abroad, and now with the withdrawal of publicity agents and the possible closing down of hostels, we may destroy the means of reaping our harvest. Not only that, but these places mean health to New Zealanders, who have little enough variety in their choice of a holiday, compared with people of England, for instance, who can have the stimulus of foreign travel at little cost. —I am, etc., HAVE A HOLIDAY