THE SYDENHAM LICENSING QUESTION.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8534, 14 July 1893, Page 3

THE SYDENHAM LICENSING QUESTION.

DEPUTATION TO MR REEVES. (FBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, July 13. A deputation from the Licensed Victuallers' Conference, which is at present sitting in Wellington, waited on Mr Reeves as Minister for Justice, this evening, being introduced by Messrs Sandford and Taylor. The question which the delegates wished to bring under the notice of the Government was in reference to the Sydenham Licensing District. A decision of the Supreme Court in Christchurch, a few days ago, rendered the licenses by the new Committee to three hotels in Sydenham informal, and the deputation wished the, Government to allow the Renewals which had been granted some time ! previously to three other houses, and which, I it was feared, would be affected by the dcci- ! sion of the Court, to remain in force until a local option poll 'was taken in April next. A short time ago Sydenham was divided into four licensing districts, and the decision of tbe Court was based on this fact, the Judge holding tbat new licenses could not be granted until a poll had been taken. . Mr Reeves said he could not commit himself to any reply on the subject, would lay the views of the deputation before his colleagues. The opinion of the Crown law officers on theuoint would be taken. But he ootdd tell the deputation the law would be maintained. It was proposed that a validating Bill should be brought in, but Mr Reeves said this could not possibly be done.