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Evening Post, Volume XV, Issue 285, 5 December 1877, Page 2

The Licensing Bench yesterday refused all the applications for new licenses, except that for the All ;rt Hotel in Willis-street. Apparently the decisions in the case of Duffs Hotel and the Tramway Hotel were bp^ed on the ground that no new public-houses were required in the respective neighborhoods, while the application for a license for the Princess Theatre Hotel wps refused, partly because, though a large and handsome house, it is not conveniently situated for the accommodation of travellers, and partly because the Bench regarded its proximity to the theatre ps being, at best, a doubtful advantage. The license to Plimmer's hotel was granted without remark, save the assertion by Mr. Moore that the Bench was not unanimous. We presume that the Bench granted this license because, although hotels are very numerous in the immediate vicinity, the new building has exceptionally large accommodation for lodgers and families, and such might prove useful. The refusal of the license to the hotel at Pahnutanui, applied for by Mr. Prosser, was altogether unfair and unjustifiable. For many years past the hotel accommodation at Pahautanui has beenof the most indifferent kind, and travellers have therefore been subjected to much discomfort. Mr. Prosser built a handsome and comfortable hotel, thus supplying a much and long-felt want. He applied for a license at the l?st meeting of the Court, and for no earthly rerson was refused. This time he again applied, and his case was supported by the district constable and several of the settlers, who gave evidence that the house was very suitable, was well conducted as an accommodation house without a license, and that the issue of a license to it was desired by the Pahautanui settlers and by many of the travelling public. Again the Bench refused the license, giving no reason. We think that in this matter Mr. Prosser has been subjected to hardship and injustice. It is true that since Mr. Prosser's hotel h-s been built the other hotel has b2en rebuilt. But it is scarcely likely that this latter work would have b3en taken in hand unless Mr. Prosser had built his hotel. In a case of the kind it is bstter that there should be two hotels, as the effect of their competition would be of great advantage and conduce much to the comfort of the travelling public.