Refusing a Transfer.

Opunake Times, Volume II, Issue 71, 8 March 1895, Page 3

Refusing a Transfer.

Invercargill, March 4. At the quarterly meeting cf the Licensing Committee to-day a point of some importance cropped up. The transfer of the license of the Gladstone Hotel was applied for and the police had no objection to the proposed licensee, but five Prohibitionist members of the committee voted against the confirmation of the temporary license already granted. The other two members urged that those who voted against the transfer should state their reasons for doing so.

The Bev Mr Woollass said there was nothing in the Act compelling them to give reasons for any vote. The Chairman, Mr Eawson, S.M. said there was nothing in any judicial enactment giving power to arbitrarily refuse any application without hearing the other side. One of the minority moved an adjournment for ten days. The Chairman said it was imperative, when the appointee was objected to, that an adjournment should be made in accordance with the terms of the Licensing Act, in order that the person affected might have au opportunity of replying. Mr Woollass replied that it had not been stated that there was objection. The Chairman retorted that if there was no objection the committee had no business to refuse the transfer. They had no right to let the license lapse in an arbitrary manner. Mr Woollass said it appeared that the committee had no discretionary power.

The Chairman replied that they had discretion, but not arbitrary power. If the committee would not follow his ruling, he would leave the Bench, when they could appoint their own chairman and do as they liked. The motion for the adjournment was then carried.