MEETING OF LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

Globe, Volume X, Issue 1273, 17 April 1878, Page 3

MEETING OF LICENSED VICTUALLERS.

A largely attended meeting of licensed victuallers in the Ohristchurch licensing district, •was held last evening at Radcliffe's Hottl. Mr T. Thompkin3 was voted to the chair. The Chairman said the meeting had been called by an advertisement signed by three members of the trade, and he would cull upon those gentlemen severally to state the purpose for which they had desired the attendance of memMessrs Barrett, Cookson, and Ravenhill then addressed the meeting at length, explaining that the object of calling the meeting was to bring under the notice of the holders of licenses in the Christchurch district the evils attending the " loaning" of licenses at times, a practice which it now appeared had existed in Christciurch lor some years past. Alter showing the results that might happen to the public and trade from the practice being continued, a particular instance was given of a confectioner having lately purchased the right of publicans' booths at the forthcoming Oddfellows' fete. The purchaser not holding or paying for a publican's license, would have to pay an amount as consideration to some licensee for the use ot his name; and it was held by the speakers that doing so was wrong in principle, subversive of the interests of the trade, and should be brought under the notice of the Licensing Commissioner*. After remarks from various speakers, endorsing the views of the requisitiouists, Mr J. Barrett moved the following resolution.- " That a circular be sent to all the licensed hotelkeepers within the Christchurch licensing district, requesting each one not to lend or transfer his licence for the purpose of selling liquors at the Oddfelows' fete to be held in the grounds of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Easter Monday—the purchaser of the booths for tuat demonstration not being the holder of a publican's license." Mr W. Ridcliffe seconded the rcsolation, which was carried unanimously. After some discussion as to the necessity for waiting upon Mr Mellish at an early date, and explaining to him the views of the trade and position of matters, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Radcliffe, seconded by Mr Hioras—- " That Messrs Thompkins (chairman), Baylee, M'Guinness, Barrett, Cookson, and Radcliffe, be a deputation to wait upon the Chairman of the Licensing Bench, and explain to him the injustice done to licensees under the Act by the purchase of publicans' booths at auction sales by those who are not so licensed " The Chairman said he hoped to see a large attendance of licensed victuallers at a general meeting which would be immediately called, and at which the deputation would state the result of the interview with the Chairman of the Licensing Commissioners. No doubt other matters of great importance would also be brought forward. After some remarks as to the secretary of the Association waiting upon Mr Mellish early this morning, and afterwards communicating with members of the deputation, the meeting adjourned.