RAILWAY REFRESHMENT ROOMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12547, 14 April 1904, Page 6

RAILWAY REFRESHMENT ROOMS.

[by telegraph. —rwess ASSOCIATION. Dunf.mx, Wednesday. A deputation from the Council of the Churches and the Temperance Societies waited ou Sir J. O. Ward to-day with reference to railway refreshment rooms. The burden of their complaint was that the rooms were open for the sale of drink alter ten p.m., when the hotels vvei« closed, and that bottles of liquor were sold there, which resulted in many taking liquor to Port Chalmers. Reference was also made to undesirable scenes, especially on Saturday nights, and it was suggested that steps should be taken to prevent the public getting access to the station precincts, and that the by-laws should be strictly enforced. Mr. A. S. Adams contended that although the lease of the rooms provided for the sale of bottles it was ultra vires, and was overridden by by-law. Sir J. 0. Ward said the matter had been causing a great deal of concern. He was as desirous as the deputation of preventing abuses. It had been definitely decided not to renew the licenses when the present ones expired. He would make inquiry as to how far the evils complained of could be minimised. As to the conduct of some persons travelling, during the holidays, he was awaiting reports on the matter, and would therefore say nothing at present. He promised full inquiry into the various matters referred to. The proceedings terminated with eulogistic references by "two members of the deputation to the state of affairs ou the Auckland railways, where the refreshment arrangements are under Government management. I