LICENSING MATTERS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 134, 9 June 1906, Page 3

LICENSING MATTERS.

■ T0 THK EDITOR. . \ Sir,—Quite a feeling of indignation is felt at Havelock by the decision of the Licensing Bench 'condemning the Commercial Hotel. J,t is evident -the Reform party have commenced, without, rhyme or reason, to make hotel proprietors '' sit. up." . JsTow, as a strong supporter..of the ten o'clock closing, and knowing that; great:sttp-' port was given the Reform party,' by the firm to which this great injustice has been done, the suffered action is nothing more or less than wilful destruction of a valuable building. Sir, before such a drastic step should be .taken some evidence should certainly have been given that would warrant it. . Now, such a serious decision, in some cases, would mean utter ruin to many, but fortunately the firm is rich, and will not be crushed by this drastic decision. But this being a sound house, with good accommodation, the action can only be the forerunner of what must" happen to the others if the same views are held at the next annual meeting. Now, sir, had the three reformers.. of the Licensing Bench been of an opinion when paying their inspection on the Sunday before the meeting that this drastic step should be taken, then the whole of the Licensing Bench should have made a thorough and careful inspection. One feeling above all others should be ever uppermost in the hearts and minds of all public men: "Do unto others as your would be done by." -I am, etc., DISAPPOINTED. Havelock, June 6.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —By direction of' the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Lodge, Blenheim;, I beg to convey to you the following resolution which was unanimously passed at the usual weekly meeting last night: "That this Lodge, whilst not expressing any opinion as to-the propriety of the Licensing Committee, wishes to state that they have every confidence in the Licensing Committee as at present constituted, and leave the matter in their hands, having no desire to hamper them in their action. —I am, etc., E. J. KING, Secretary.