CONDUCT OF HOTELS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 133, 8 June 1939, Page 9

CONDUCT OF HOTELS

THE AUCKLAND BARS

AFTER-HOURS & OTHER ILLS

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 7.

"Far too much after-hours trading is indicated by the large number of persons convicted, in addition to some licensees, for such offences in the last year," said Mr. W. R- McKean, S.M., chairman of the Auckland Licensing Committee, at the annual meeting.

The police report stated that the conduct of hotels had been satisfactory for the most part, said Mr. McKean, but it was not at all satisfactory to learn that there had been considerable afterhours trading. He was not aware whether licensees were taking any steps to stop such offences, but it did not look as if they were.

Referring to the installation of ball and pin machines in many hotel bars, Mr. McKean said it had been suggested that the committee might give a ruling in the matter. It might be that the use of the machines could cause licensed premises to be constituted as common gaming houses, and he suggested that proceedings be taken against some licensees, so that, if convictions were entered, other lisensees, knowing the position, could act accordingly.

"It seems to me, from information I have received in the matter, that no skill is required to play any of the machines," continued Mr. McKean. "If the machine required skill the method of the game is not one' of chance. I find it hard to believe that in the use of these machines any degree of efficiency can be obtained which may permit one to become a skilful player."

Mr. McKean repeated his warning of a year ago about the conduct of raffles in many hotel bars. The remarks made previously seemed to have had some effect, but that was wearing off. The committee still regarded the offence as a grave one, and licensees were advised to take steps to prevent the practice from starting again.