LICENSEES WARNED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 160, 8 June 1939, Page 9

LICENSEES WARNED.

A ITER-HOURS TR ADI NG. Per 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 past 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 tho most part, said Mr McKean, hut it was not at all satisfactory to learn that there had bee considerable after-hours trading. He was not aware whether licensees were taking any steps to stop such offences, but it did not look as though they were. Referring to the installation of hall 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 he that the use of the machines could cause licensed premises to be constituted as common gaining houses, and he sugguested that proceedings be taken against sonic licensees so that, if a conviction were entered the other licensees, knowing the position, could act accordingly. “It seems to me from the information I have received in the matter that no skill is required to 111 ay any of the machines,” continued Mr McKean. ‘‘lf 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 he obtained which may permit one to become a skilful player.” Mr McKean repeated his warning of a year ago concerning the conduct of raffles ill many hotel bars. The remarks made previously seemed to have had some effect, hut 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. WELLINGTON HOTELS. WELLINGTON, June 8. “We consider that many of the hotels in Wellington need rebuilding,” said the chairman of the Wellington Licensing Committee, Air J. L. Stout, S.AL, at the annual meeting of the committee yesterday. “We consider that tho owners should take some steps to pull the smaller hotels down and Iniikl reasonable accommodation. There are 16 requiring attention, though they are not specified. The owners must know which they are.”