THE CLOSED HOTELS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 303, 20 December 1913, Page 8

THE CLOSED HOTELS.

WELLINGTON LICENSEES FINED. WELLINGTON, Friday. Reserved judgment was given by Mr W. G. Riddel!, S.M, to-day, regarding the prosecutions arising out of the enforced closing of the city hotels during a portion of the strike. In the ease against Daniel Buckley, licensee of the Foresters' Arms, charged with keeping open during the currency of an order for closing signed by two justices, the Mayor and the Town Clerk, the Magistrate held that the fact that it was common knowledge that a strike was operating in the city, and that matters Generally were in a disturbed condition, was sufficient justification for the jus- j tices for their fear of further tumults.; There might he doubt as to the validity i of the order, but be did not think that! Court had jurisdiction to review it. His Worship held that sufficient evidence had been given as to the completeness and service of the order, and entered a conviction and a fine of 20/. fixing security for appeal at £7 7 . A similar fine was imposed in the case against ,!ohn .buses Firth, of the City Hotel, the Mrgistratc holding that service of the notice cm the defendants wife was sufficient. Fanny pool, of the Empire Hotel, was also convicted and fined 20/.