LICENSING COMMITTEES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 June 1937, Page 5

LICENSING COMMITTEES

CHRISTCHURCH STATISTICS

[per press association.]

CHRISTCHURCH. June 7

The attention of licensees to the considerable increase in the number of con vid ions for illegal trading compared witli the previous year was drawn by Mr. H. A. Young. S.M.. chairman, at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Licensing Committee today. The report of the committee showed, he said, that all premises were being maintained in a satisfactory condition from the point, of view of public health except in. one case. Inspector H. Martin appeared for the police. The police report showed that, there had been 14 convictions against 10 licensees, six against six barmen, and 97 convictions against persons on premises illegally, compared witli 22 similar cases in the previous year. '

Only one objection to the renewal of a licence was made by the police, in the case of Coker’s Hotel. Inspector Martin said that the requirements of the committee after its inspection, had not been carried out. Plans had been prepared for the necessary repairs and alterations; but no tenders had been called. He asked that the renewal of the licence be adjourned, as the matter had been before the committee at previous meetings. The chairman said that the committee understood that instructions had been given for the work to be gone on with; but the renewal of the licence would be adjourned to the next quarterly meeting to see what progress was made.

W ELL INGT ON C RITIC ISM.

WELLINGTON, June 8.

“Landlords, of hotels should not. be compelled by law to comply with the requirements of this modern age. They ought, to spring to it. and see i hat the conditions are complied with,” said, the Chairman of the Wellington Licensing Committee, Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., at the annual meeting.

Mr Mosley said that how some of. the houses had been allowed to degenerate into unsavoury hovels, almost passed his comprehension. He was astonished at the number of buildings that the Licensing Committee had reported on as being old, out of date, and not. answering the requirements of modern civilisation.

“The indications point to a very considerable amount of illegal business done by licensees after hours. The licensees could put a slop to it if they desired. The time will come 'when it will be looked upon as a more serious offence than at present, both from lhe licensees’ point of view and that of the members of tho public who break the law.”

DUNEDIN HOTELS

DUNEDIN, June 7

The generally good conduct of hotels, less evidence of betting, the remodelling of the two leading hotels, and the highly satisfactory maintenance and improvement of most premises were favourably commented on by the Dunedin Licensing Committee at its annual meeting to-day. Comment was also made that, although more women were drinking in hotels, the licensees appeared to be exercising better control, and the police were dircted to pay particular attention to hotels where large numbers of persons were found unlawfully, suggesting illicit trading. Licensees were also warned against supplying liquor to youths.