H.B. Licensing Committee.

Hastings Standard, Issue 414, 1 September 1897, Page 2

H.B. Licensing Committee.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The Hawke's Bay Licensing Committee held their usual quarterly meeting at the Courthouse to-day at noon. Present: Mr A. Turnbuli (chair), Captain Howard, Messrs Boilbv FifaRoy, McLeod, and A. L. 1). Eraser. Constables Smith and Kennedy represented the police. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr Skerrett said that the reports as to the hotels were all favorable except in the case of the Carlton Club, which was reported as not having sufficient means of escape in case of fire. Mr P. Gorman, the proprietor, was present, and on being asked for an explanation said that the hotel was supplied with every convenience fo?" escape ; there wore two staircases, an outlet on to Mr Guthrie's roof, ropes in every room, a long ladder outside, besides which the night watchman held a key to the premises and in case he had any suspicions of fire had orders to unlock the doors and alarm the house. In reply to the Chairman, Constable Smith said he considered the escapes sufficient ; and in answer to Mr FitzKov he stated that the two staircases mentioned were situated at different ends of the house. He sug-

gested that the Committee should view the premises for themselves. Mr A. L. D. Fraser said he had i ; ved for years at this hotel and considered the arrangements for the safety of boarders in case of fire ample. It was decided that the lire escape accommodation in Mr Gorman's hotel is ample for present requirements. A letter was read from Messrs Robjohns and Sons, stating that owing to the inclemency of the weather they had been unable to go oil with the work of reinstating the West Clive Hotel, which was burnt dowmsome months ago, and tions with regard to the sanitary arrangements in the new house. Mi" Frederick Robjohns', who was in attendance, stated that his firm intended to remove the hotel known as the Farndon Hotel, situate on the other side of the river, to the site of the West Clive Hotel, and would possibly erect a smaller hou. e in Farndon, Mr Fitzßoy explained that the subcommittee appointed to inspect this hotel did not go down to do so on account of this fire. A discussion ensued as to the most satisfactory sanitory arrangements, and it was ultimately decided that that was the architect's business and the Chairman and Messrs Beilby ?md FitzRoy were appointed a sub-committee to inspect the plans. Mr W.J.White, who appeared on behalf of Mr Pet-tit, of Kaikora, stated that his client had not commenced rebuilding the hotel as he was negotiating the sale of the property. He proposed making suitable additions to a residence adjoining the site of the late hotel and transferring the license to these premises. The committee considered that Mr Pettit should make application. Mr White said the time allowed his client for rebuilding elapsed on Nov. 28th, and the committee did not meet until December Ist. The chairman said Mr White could send in his application before the expiry of the term. It was decided to leave the matter over until next meeting. Messrs McLood and Beilby, the subcommittee appointed to inspect the fire escapes of the Hastings Hotel, reported that the building was well provided in this respect, having two staircases, two ladders, and Mr O'Rielly had bad a new arm constructed with " fire escape " lettered on it at the suggestion of the sub-committee. In all there were five different means of escape from the premises in case of fire. The clerk reported that the County Council had forwarded copies of the Licensing Act at the request of the committee. This concluded the business.