LICENSING COMMITTEES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 57, 7 March 1936, Page 8

LICENSING COMMITTEES.

The number of nominations received for membership of the city and suburban licensing committees indicates a revival of interest iu the democratic control of the liquor trade. This is a healthy sign, and if followed by a more extensive use of the right of selection through the ballot by electors, considerable improvement in the conduct of hotels should result. Wide powers are vested in these committees by legislation, in order that the public interests may be conserved, hotels properly conducted and only suitable men appointed as licensees. In Auckland chief interest centres in the election of the City Licensing Committee, which has a large number of hotels under its jurisdiction. It would be interesting to know on what grounds the present members are seeking re-election. Members of Parliament and of local bodies are expected to give an account of their stewardship. Are not electors entitled to the same in formation from members of licensing committees 1 Rcprcsentations concerning undesirable features' o hotel conduct have been made to the committee, but have been ignored, until it is now considered to be useless to approach the co::::;:i - tee on any matter affecting tile conduct <>. hotels. THE SECRETARY. New Zcafav 1 .\Ui-