THE ALLEGED SUNDAY TRADING CASES.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9137, 22 June 1895, Page 5

THE ALLEGED SUNDAY TRADING CASES.

At the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, Christchurch, yesterday, the caso3 againab several publicans for breaches of the Licensing Ace were further adjourned. Tho time of bearing was set down at 11.30 a.m., but before that timo Mr Franks, for Mr Kippsmbergor, ono of the counsel engaged for tha defence, and Mr Caygill, counsel for the prosecution, came into* Court. Mr Franks said that in consequence of botii couusal being engaged ou the Hospital enquiry they could not attend, aui they were reluctantly compelled to ask for a further adjournment. Mr Bishop, b.M., said he was sorry, but he could not sco how to further defer tho proceedings. Tho Court was at this time almost overwhelmed with work, and, after careful consideration, had g : veuupoiher business to take tho cases that day, so as to dispose of them before the meeting of tho Licensing Committee on Monday, the business of that body boing also hung up in consequenoe of these protracted proceedings. He thought that Dr Giles if appealed to would under the circumstances have given up the day. Mr OaygilS said ho did not think any stoppage of ttie Hospital enquiry could have been obtained. If his Worship insisted on going on it would quite upset all existing arrangements, and both parties would probably suffer. Mr Bishop said it was most unfortunate ; counsel at least immediately on receiving notice of yesterday's proposed hearing might have given him notice of their inability to attend. As it was there waa a day wasted. Tho cases were almost paralysing all other business, which was very pressing. Mr Franks further pressed for an adjournment. Mr Bishop said he was reluctantly compelled to assent. But, looking to the fact that his work was uupped out for many sitting days to come, he could not at prosenfc name a day when he should be at liberty to go on. There was ono point of which the Clerk of the Court rcmiudod him, that if the sitting of the Licensing Bench were held over beyond July Ist the publicans interested would be most seriously affected, as if they kept open they would be trading without a license and would be exposed to immediate prosecution. Mr Caygill said that there had been a similar position in the Sydenham cases three, or four years, ago, and the publicans were not interfered with. Mr Bishop said he metely pointed out what might happen. He would now adjourn the cases pending sine die, with the understanding that the hearing should not como on until the Hospital enquiry had ended, when counsel would be tree from that engagement.