THAMES NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7977, 17 June 1887, Page 5

THAMES NEWS.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OW.i' CORRESPONDENT.] Thames, Thursday. Much surprise haa been expressed at the action of the licensing committee for Thames Central. They granted licenses for the Queen's and Provincial Hotels and closed the Junction (Burton's) and the Hazelbank (Godkiu's), Mr. Burton was taken by aurpriee. The license was adjourned last hearing, on the assigned reason that the accommodation was inadequate, and that was the only complaint, it being notified officially by the Clerk of the Court that that was the charge he had to meet; yet the Bench gave as the ground for their action that accommodation had been refused, without giving the applicant a chance of defending himself. Barton's was a free house, and noted for the excellence of the liquor sold. Burton, who ia reported to be a man of means, saya he does not intend to let , the matter drop. Godkin's house was most respectable, and travellers from Tapu and Watomo made it their special place of call. Godkin, when his license was refused, asked the chairman (Mr. R. T. Douglas) how he would like his baker's shop shut up at a fortnight's notice. The committee's action is universally condemned. The committee for Thames South closed the Bendigo end Globe hotels. Mr. Miller, Mr. fihrenfried's solicitor, stated that some of the houses for which liceuses had been granted would be closed.