WESTPORT HOTELS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27177, 22 October 1953, Page 12

WESTPORT HOTELS

LICENCES UNDER REVIEW EVIDENCE GIVEN BY MAYOR (From Out Own Reporter) WESTPORT, October 21. Reference to- the appearance before the Licensing Control Commission yesterday afternoon by representatives of the Westport Borough Council when tfcfat body had not furnished any evidence at the first sitting in February was made by Mr R. A. Young (counsel assisting the commission). Evidence was given by the Mayor (Mr J. M. Robertson) and DeputyMayor (Mr J. Kilkenny). The Mayor said that the people of the town were concerned at the prospect of workers 'on the lower wage bracket being affected by a reduction of licences, which was evidently con-* templated. The Mayor said there were developments likely in the district, such as the mineral field in Mount Radiant (Karamea) and the cement works at Cape Foulwind, which would make for a steady population. Robertson agreed with Mr Young that some of the hotels were the same as when he was a boy. It appeared logical that some which had made little attempt to provide accommodation should go, he said. But the almost general opinion was that they .should be left alone.

The chairman: The main function of some is to provide liquid refreshments and not much accommodation? Robertson: I suppose so. Kilkenny said that most of the 75 per cent of the industrial workers in Westport liked to enjoy a glass of beer and they were not worried much about the accommodation side- of the hotel' trade. He recalled that hotels in almost every part of the Buller district had gone out of existence over the years because of lack of support and that should be the way. Those which were not popular should go out automatically when their owners could not make a living. However, the people who had the hotels at Westport were making a living and some had put their lives into the business, not thinking of any interference by a commission. Mr Young: Were you aware of the sitting in February? If your council has such strong views on this matter why was it not represented then? Kilkenny: The council had some members lackadaisical enough not to press for any part in the business. By that I mean those who opposed my own motion that we should put up a fight for the people of Westport. Mr Young: Does that mean that some were satisfied that there should be a reduction of licences and others were opposed to such a step? Kilkenny: They are all unanimous now.

Mr Young: This has nothing to do with the elections, has it? Kilkenny: I would rather have had it after the elections. Referring again to the Westport hotels, Kilkenny said that it was better for them to look after the people here than those who might not come. To Mr Young, the witness said-that the bars at Westport were all right and as good as some of the fine ones in the working men’s clubs. Mr Young: You mean the air and lighting? Kilkenny: We do not need any lighting here, as all of our drinking is done before 6 o’clock. Mr Young: Don’t abuse my intellect by saying that. The witness was questioned by the chairman on his views concerning control by local licensing committees and his preference for beer houses over those providing accommodation. Kilkenny said that he was in favour of “giving thqm all a go.”