Mr Hanan Told Of Concern At Taverns

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31178, 30 September 1966, Page 12

Mr Hanan Told Of Concern At Taverns

Concern at the possible conversion of rural hotels to taverns, and consequent loss of guest accommodation, was discussed with the Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) by a Paparua County Council deputation in Wellington on Wednesday.

The future of five hotels, the Islington Arms, Templeton, West Melton, Prebbleton and Rolleston, was discussed by the deputation, which told the Minister that it seemed likely that they would be given tavern licences by the Licensing Control Commission.

The deputation, which comprised the county chairman (Mr D. H. Warren) and Crs. L. P. Manion and A. Y. Shuker, was introduced by the member for the district, Mr J K. McAlpine. The main point made by the deputation was that local bodies and residents should have the opportunity to express their views to the commission, and, if necessary, have a poll on the issue of substituting taverns for residential hotels.

“We were well received by Mr Hanan, who said he would ask the commission to review the position, and get reports clarifying the position,” said M> Warren yesterday. He added that the deputation had also mentioned the council’s wish that, if a new licence was issued in the Sockbum-Riccarton area, it should be granted to the Hornby Licensing Trust

Mr Warren said that a report on the deputation would be made to the council’s meeting on Monday night In decisions on its recent review of district provisional hotel licences, the commission said it would issue tavern licences to the Rolleston and Islington Arms hotels as soon as plans were approved. Of the Templeton Hotel, the commission said it would issue a tavern licence unless the owner made plans to provide a reasonable amount of good accommodation. The real problem at Prebbleton, the commission found, was whether to convert to a tavern (which seemed the sensible course) or extend the premises to provide good accommodation.

The West Melton hearing was adjourned. A temporary tavern licence was sought to give the owner time to make additions to justify a hotel licence.