LICENSING COMMITTEE MEETINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 19

LICENSING COMMITTEE MEETINGS.

DUNEDIN.

The adjourned sitting of the Dunedin Licensing Committee was held at the City Police Court on Thursday, there being present Mr Carew and all the elected members of the committee. , The committee was to sit at noon, but it was close on 1 p.m. before they took their seats on the bench. The courthouse was densely crowded, but the proceedings were perfectly orderly, there being no demonstration of any kind. On the committee taking their seats, the decisions were pronounced by the chairman as follows : —

MORNINGTON HOTEL.

Mr Carew : The first business is the application of Ada Conway for the Mornißgton Hotel, with the objection by Andrew Millar and others. The committee have considered this application and the objection, and find the objection not sustained. Application granted.

REFUSALS.

Mr Carew : The committee have decided to refuse the following applications for publicans' licenses, for the purpose of making reductions consequent upon the vote of the electors. This applies in each case. The committee regret that the law requires that the full reduction they desire to make must be effected in their first year of office : — Houbb. Applicant. Apollo Richard Powley Royal Patrick O'Brien Ship Inn Alex. Owen Anchor Gerald Eager Britannia Mary A. Peachey Ganongate Christina Pacoy Panama Patrick Moloney Royal George Joseph Toomey Old Brigade George Searle Grange Wm. H. Hay don Pacific George Robbs Ayrshire Mark J. Woodhouse Star Kenneth M'Kenzie "White Horse Patrick Cotter Shamrock and Thistle Jane Dwyer and Jas. Scanlan Bull and Mouth ... Godfrey Jacobs London Malcolm Allan Prince Alfred Edward Kirk JBritish Daniel M. Campbell Carmalt's Johanna O'Connor. These, with the Newmarket Hotel ... J. C M'Laren Liverpool Arms ... Walter Robertson

make a reduction of 32 publicans' licenses from those at present in existence.

THE SHAMROCK

I am requested to state that the committee have found considerable difficulty in dealing with the application for the Shamrock Hotel, and it has been decided that the names of committee for and against granting this license shonld be given. Those for granting the license were — Messrs Walker, Dickson, Wardrop, Selby. and Carew ; those against — Messrs Warren, Jolly, Spears, and Scott. wain's hotel. In regard to Wain's Hotel the feeling of a large part of the committeewas against granting this license in consequence o£ the inferior character of the Manse street portion of tfae premises and the back bar ; but the committee are not satisfied they would be exercising their di«cretion in a proper manner in refusing a license on those grounds alone, but hope that legislative action will be taken to amend the definition of the word " bar " in the Licensing Acts, and to give committees the power in granting licenses to exclude from houses to be licensed objectionable parts of the premises. Mr Jolly : I wish to state publicly in connection with Wain's Hotel that I have protested against the license being granted to it. LICENSES GHANTED. Mr Carew : Mr Ralfe will now read the list of applications for publicans' licenses granted. The Clerk read the list, as follows : — Hotel. Applicant. Glasgow J. O. Short Otago Margaret Court Douglas F. H. Guinness Mr Carew : The committee wish me to state that in respect to this applicant certain rumour have reached members of the committee in respect of the conduct of this house, but the applicant has had no opportunity of meeting these charges, and consequently the committee have not entertained them ; but it is desirable

to bring under the notice of licensees that, under section 76 of " The Licensing Act 1881," the committee have full power to cancel licenses at a quarterly licensing meeting, upon proof given in a judicial manner before them of a house being conducted in an improper manner. Reading continued — Duke of Edinburgh ... Michael Kane Provincial John Wells Red Lion John Walker Rainbow Thomas Cuttle Rising Sun ... ... W. H. Skitch. Mr Carew : Is Mr Skitch here ? Mr D. D. Macdonald : I appear on his behalf. Mr Carew : The committee expect you will keep your promise to remove the present close gate. The committee see no objection to a picket gate being placed there. Mr Skitch began to speak, but the chairman stopped him. The Clerk proceeded to read — Royal Albert Michael Moloney Robert Burns Thomas Chapman Mr Carew : Mr Chapman, the committee caution you to observe the law in the future. Reading continued — Shamrock Christopher Tilburn Universal Mary Knox Wain's ... ... Alex. Palmer Sussex Thonias Oliver Captain Cook James Kerr Great Northern . . . Patrick Toomey Kensington Denis Maloney St. Kilda Mary Anu Hutton Pioneer James Steuhouse THE QUESTION OF EXTENDED HOURS. Mr Carew : The committee by a majority decide that in their opinion in no case have they been satisfied, by evidence or the argument of counsel, that for the benefit and convenience of the public any extension of time for the sale of liquor after 10 o'clock p.m. is required. KEEPING LIGHTS BURNING. Mr Carew : With regard to applications for exemption from keeping lights over the doors of licensed houses, the committee have decided to give exemptions to hotels in the city of Dunedin. to the same extent as endorsed on their present licenses for the space of the year. In respect to hotels in other boroughs in the district, that they shall be exempted from kecpiDg lights over the doors for four days before and after full moon. We will now deal with

BOTTLE LICENSES.

The following applications are granted : — James Peterson, John Peterson, Andrew M'Farlane, Thomas Brown, William M 'Grata, and William Wright. The following applications for bottle licenses are refused for the purpose of making reductions under the vote of the electors:— James Watson, George Dryden, John Bowie, and Frank Aaderson. This concluded the business.

CHALMERS.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Chalmers Licensing Committee was held at 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon at the Courthouse, Port Chalmers, and attended by Messrs E. H. Carew, S.M. (chairman), G. Calder, J. Begg, A. Thomson, W. Aitken, C. S. Hodge, G. R. Davie, and J. Wilson.

A WITHDRAAVN APPLICATION.

An application by John Infield for a publican's license for the George Hotel, George street, was read by the clerk, when Mr Infield said he had no application before the committee.

Mr Macdonald said he was solicitor acting in the matter. The position originally was that Mr Infield was the tenant of that hotel and he made an application in the usual way for a renewal of a license. Under the present law a certificate had to be got from the resident magistrate certifying to the character of the applicant. An application was made in the proper way, but he (learned counsel) found that it was impossible to get such a certificate. The result was that he immediately sent for the landlady, and after some trouble a tenant was got to take the place of Mr Infield, who had made an arrangement with the landlady and another man that an application for a license should be made in his name. The stock and furniture were to be taken over by the other applicant. The money had not been paid yet, bat when Mr Infield got his money he was going away. Application was made by Mr Collins after Mr Infield's application was refused, and Mr Collins was now applying for a renewal of the license. He (learned counsel) appeared for Mr Collins, the present applicant. The Chairman asked Mr Infield if he intended to proceed with the application. Mr Infield replied : No ; certainly not. The application was accordingly withdrawn. The Chairman said that there were three applications reserved, and he understood that two would probably be taken out of the three hotels for the purpose of reduotion. THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL. William Hume applied for a publicans' license for the Commercial Hotel, Beach street. GEORGE HOTEL. John Collins applied for a publican's license for the George Hotel, George street. RAILWAY HOTEL. Joseph Archibald Ainge applied for a license for the Railway Hotel, George street. THE RESULT. Evidence having been taken, The Chairman said the committee had given the matter consideration, and they had. selected the houses that they would reduce in consequence of the vote of the ratepayers. The application of Wm. Hume (for the Commercial Hotel) and the application of Joseph Archibald Ainge (for the Railway Hotel) would be refused ; and the application of John Collins (for the George Hotel) would be granted. WAIKOUAITI. The Waikouaiti L : censing Committee held their adjourned annual licensing meeting on the 12> h, when there were present Mr Jackson Keddell, S.M. (in the chair), Messrs W. Randall, T. Smith, J. C. Brown, J. Mawson, A. Stewart, and P. Sutherland. There were no objections lodged, and the following renewals of publicans' licenses were granted till 10 o'clock : — Golden Fleece Hotel, Waikouaiti — Wm. Alderdice, applicant. Railway Hotel, Waikouaiti — M. A. Woodley, applicant, for whom Mr Fiadlay appeared. Seacliff Hotel, Seacliff — James De Clifford — applicant, for whom Mr Findlay appeared. Blueskin Hotel, Evansdale— transfer, T. M'Guire to Ed. Carey, and renewal to E. Carey. Saratoga Hotel, Waitati — Jno. Colehan, applicant. Miners' Arms Hotel, Nenthorn — H. A. Wicks, applicant. Crescent Hotel, Mansford Town— B. W. Lightbourne, applicant. Shiel Hill Hotel— Thomas Smithson, applicant. Coney's Family Hotel, Portobello— James Doherty, applicant. Bottle License.— A. G. Reid, Waikouaiti. At the close of the meeting, the Chairman said that the committee wished him to state that they were pleased to note the improvement that had taken place in the conduct of licensed

houses since the recent prohibition agitation, and that they hoped that licensees would so conduct their houses in the future as to leave no cause of complaint. The chairman also thanked Sergeant Hartnett, of Anderson's Bay, and bis constables for their attendance.

TAIERI.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Taieri Licensing Committee was held at the courthouse, Mosgiel, on Tuesday morning, when there were present : Mr E. H. Carew, S.M. (chairman), Rev. W. Will, Messrs J. H. Murdoch, A. Drakeley, A. Chisholm, T. Ross, J. Feltham, J. D. Shand, and John Allan.

publicans' applications.

Railway Hotel, Mosgiel ; applicant, William Knotfc. — Mr Finch, for the applicant, said that as he appeared in the interests of the three Mosgiel hotels he would address a few general remarks on the three cases. The population of Mosgiel, he would point out, was nearly 1500, of Outram between 400 and 500, and of Waipori 250. To Waipori the committee had granted two licenses. In Outram there wwre three hotels,' and in Mosgiel three. Although he understood from the committee that they desired to carry out the whole of the reduction of 25 per cent , he submitted that as prohibition had not been carried in the district the committee would, in carrying out the act, exercise tbat discretion the act gave them, nnd, putting aside their own personal feelings, carry out the act as the majority of the people in the district asked that it should be carried out — that waß, that prohibition should not be enforced, but that the requirements of the district should be considered when licenses were granted. If, on coming to Mosgiel, the committee found that the requirements of the township, in comparison with other parts of the district, should have three licenses, then the three hotels Bhould be granted their licenses. On a population basis alone, he submitted that Mosgiel was entitled to three hotels. Further, it was the centre of the district, and, in contradistinction to the other places named, was a growing place, while Outram and Waipori were both going down. With regard to Mr Knott's application, he wished to say that it was the only hotel within a mile of the railway station, had plenty of accommodation, and was well conducted. Mr Knott had been licensed for many years, was a man of first-class reputation, the hotel was good and had large stabling and good accommodation, and was extensively used by the travelling public. — William Knott gave evidence, which was confined, at the chairman's request, to showing the convenience of the building for the travelling public. — The Chairman said the only thing against Mr Knott was the fact that there was a conviction on his license. Was Mr Knott present when the sale of liquor took place? — The applicant said he was not. — Evidence was also given by William Snow (of Outram), Robert Gibson (farmer), and Robert Gawn (farmer) as to the necessity for the hotel. — Decision deferred.

Mosgiel Hotel, Mosgiel; applicant, Eliza Sinclair, for whom Mr Finch appeared. — Eliza Sinclair said she had been licensed for four years. The building was of brick, and 17 of its rooms were for the use of the public. Stabling and yard were attached, and the place was regularly used by farmers and others. Sample rooms were also provided. At present there were no permanent boardsrs. In summer time she had families from Dunedin and elsewhere staying at the hotel. There was an endorsement on the license, but witness was not present when the liquor was supplied. She was a tenant of the bouse, the lease of which expired on the 30th of this month. — No farther evidence was given. — Decision deferred.

Commercial Hotel, Mosgiel ; applicant, Elizabeth O'Kane. — Mr Finch for the applicant. — Applicant, in her evidence, said she had been a licensed hotelkeeper for over 16 years. There were nine bedrooms and other rooms in the hotel for the convenience of the public ; also stabling and a yard. Witness always had ledgers, including people who came ont from town to stay for a while. Three fire escapes were provided, and a hut in the yard, distinct from the hotel, was set apart for swaggers, who were allowed to stay in it without charge. There were two in it last night. Witness was the owner of the hotel, and also of the Mosgiel Hotel. — James Oughton (farmer), Alexander Smith (who desoribed himself as a retired farmer), John Brown (mill owner), John Findlay (farmer), and James O'Donnell (who managed the hotel for the applicant) gave evidence as to the conduct of the hotel and the use the public made of it. — Decision reserved.

Reliance Hotel, Otakia ; applicant, John O'Leary.— Mr W. O. MaoGregor, for the applicant, pointed out that the hotel was in a district by itself. . The poll at Otakia showed that the majority was not sufficient to warrant the committee in taking the license away. Counsel also referred to the good character of the applicant and the service the house was to the district. It was built above what was known as high-water mark — in other words, it was above the water at the time of the floods which periodically came on in the Taieri river. At such times it was largely used as a haven of shelter by families in the neighbourhood. The license, counsel ventured to say, was a more desirable one to give than was that toM'Kegg's hotel, at Henley. — Evidence was given by Joseph Sanders (of Kuri Bush), Murdoch M'Rae (butcher), John Millar (farmer), and R. Robinson (farmer), all of whom spoke as to the good conduct of the house and of its necessity in the district. — Decision deferred.

West Taieri Hotel, Outram ; applicant, Harriet Monk. — Mr Fraser, for the applicant, said he had brought evidence to show that the house was not tied to Messrs Speight and Co. Mrs Monk was apparently a monthly tenant, and there was no document between herself and the firm to "tie" her in any way, but the furniture belonged to them. Mrs Monk leased the hotel from the owner, who was represented by the Commercial Property Company. — Charles F. Greenslade said the applicant was not "tied" to the firm of Speight and Co. — Mr Fraser, after referring to the fact that the hotel was a losing place, said his client had decided to withdraw her application. — Decision reserved.

Outratn Hotel, Outram ; applicant, Thomas Gifford Laurenson. — Mr Solomon for the applicant, and Dr Fitchett for the owner (Mrs Vannini). — Mr Solomon said it was evident that the hotel was required when he was able to say that it carried on a flourishing business. It was a hotel in the proper sense of the word, and it would be an inconvenience if the license were taken away. — The Applicant, lessee of the hotel, said his lease had three years to run. He paid £500 to go into the hotel, and had spent £100 in improvements on it within the past two years. If his license were taken away he would lose 50 par cent, of his money. Witness gave evidence as to the extent to which his house was used by the public, and also spoks of the stabling and other conveniences of the place. — Eustace Fulton (farmer) said he had an arrangement with Mr Laurenson that his waggoners and teamster* should stay at the Outram Hotel. He believed the hotel was well conducted. — John Turnbull, manager of Traqnair station, spoke in favour of the accommodation and the convenience of the hotel. — Alexander Burns (representative of a,

reaper and binder company), Robert Rowan (manager of the Lee Flat station), aud Richard Andrews (storekeeper) also gave evidence. — Dr Fitchett said he did not wish the committee to have the idea that Mrs Vannini was a lady of independent means. The loss of the Outram Hotel would mean absolute ruin to her, as she had undertaken certain responsibilities for the payment of wbich she depended on the Outram Hotel. — Evidence as to tho condition of the building was given by Mrs Vannini and John A. Duff (chairman of the previous Licensing Committee), both of whom spoke favourably of the house. — Decision reserved.

Amos M'Kegg, applicant for the White House Hotel, Henley, asked if he could put in petitions as to the need for the hotel, but the chairman ruled that he could not do so.

ACCOMMODATION LICENSES.

Hindon Hotel, Hindon ; applicant, William Lovell, for whom Mr Fraser appeared. — Daniel Lovell said his father had had kbe house for 20 years. It wag 15 miles from Oatram, aud was largely frequented by travellers and others. The house bad a clean record. The premises were in a very fair state. A store was carried on in tho same building. At present a license fee of £7 was paid. — John Wright, dealer, said ho thought it was necessary to have an accommodation license' at Hindon, which was half way between Outram and Clarke's Junotiou. The house was on the main road, about seven miles from the railway station. — Decision reserved.

Commercial Hotel, Berwick; applicant, Thomas C. George. — Mr W. C. MaoGregor appeared for tho applicant — The Chairman asked counsel if he was prepared to show that this house was five miles from any present licensed house. He thought the evidence waa the other way. — Mr MacGregor said the road between Henley and Berwiok was really impassable at times, especially in winter.— The Chairman ; We are prohibited from granting a license if the house is within five miles from a licensed house (section 31 of the act read). — Mr MacGregor eaid that if, as he hoped to show, this was a place where some class of license ought to be allowed, the committee might grant a publican's license, as was done in a case at Oamaru the other day. — The case was allowed to stand down for a few minutes, during which time Mr Lovell's application was heard. — On the case coming up again, Mr MacGregor urged that a public road ceased to be a public road when it became impassable, The Chairman read a letter from the Survey Office in Dunedin showing that the distance by road between Henley and Berwiok was about four miles. — Mr MacGregor asked if that was evidence. — The Chairman said that he was satisfied that the distance was about four miles, and he had looked at the map and was satisfied of that. — Mr MacGregor again urged that the road ceased to be a road when it was impassable. Evidence as to the necessity of the hotel was given by Walter Carncross M.H.R., W. M'Pherson (farmer), William M'lndoe (farmer), Louis Purcall (miner), William M'Millan (miner), and the applicant.— Decision reserved.

The committee adjourned at a quarter-past 1 until 2 o'clock.

THE COMMITTEB'S DECISIONS.

On resuming at 2 o'clock, the Chairman said : The committee have decided to grant the following applications for publicans' licenses: — Elizabeth O'Kane, Commercial Hotel; Thomas G. Laurenson, Outram Hotel; Amos M'Kegg, White House Hotel, Henley ; William Knott, Railway ' Hotel, Mosgiel. The following applications for publicans' licenses were refused for the purpose of a reduction of the number of licenses in the district : — Eliza Sinclair, Mosgiel' Hotel ; John O'Leary, Reliance Hotel, Otakia. Regarding the Mosgiel Hotel, the committee prefer this house to the one they have granted a license for to Mrs O'Kane, but as a conviction is endorsed on Mrs Sinclair's license, and both houses belong to the same owner, the committee will at any quarterly licensing meeting be prepared to consider any application that may be made for the removal of the license from one house to the other. The application of Mis Monk for the Bridge Hotel, Outram, has been withdrawn. The committee caution licensees who have been /convicted of offences that if other matters of a like nature occur the committee can take such cases in hand at any quarterly licensing meeting. The application of William Lovell, of Hindon, for an aocommodation license is granted, the fee to be £7. The application of Thomas George for an acoommodation license at Berwick is refused, the house being under five miles from the nearest licensed house. The committee rose at 2.5 p.m.