PACIFIC HOTEL, ESPLANADE, SOUTHPORT
USED BY THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
AS AN OFFICER'S RECREATION CLUB
DURING WW2

Lieutenant Robert Melloy of Hirings Section, No. 1 L of C, recommended the use of the Pacific Hotel, the Esplanade at Southport for an Officer's Recreation Club for the Australian Army during WW2. It was a two storey hotel which overlooked the Broadwater at the northern end of the Gold Coast. 

The existing lessee paid £8 per week in rent which was considered far too low by Lt. Melloy. Official Hirings Department policy was that the Army would pay no more than the existing rent. Melloy recommended that the Army pay a rental of £12 per week for the sections of the hotel that it required allowing the current lessee to hold on to the Manager's accommodation room and the bar. The Licensee was very happy with the arrangements, however his solicitor persuaded him to take the issue to the Supreme Court. The Judge determined that the lessee should be paid £15 per week. Lt. Melloy believed that the Hotel was worth £15 per week but was bound by Army policy which he had already exceeded by his earlier "generous" offer.

REFERENCE BOOKS

"Time will Tell - Memoirs of a Kangaroo Point Kid - R.S. Melloy"
As told to Diane Melloy

Can anyone help me with more information?

"Australia @ War" WWII Research Products

This page first produced 10 June 2002

This page last updated 25 January 2020