THE ALBION UPPER BAR CASE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 619, 6 February 1879, Page 2

THE ALBION UPPER BAR CASE.

To the Editor of the Evening Herald. Sir, — I am sure the majority of the inhabitants of this town and district will join you in condemning the action taken by the police, and the decision given by the R.M. in the above mentioned case. It is perfectly well known that in Wellington, Auckland, Napier', and, I may say, in every large town in New Zealand, it is the practice in almost every hotel to keep upper bars for the convenience of those frequenting and occupyiug the higher floors of the building, as well as for the purpose of economising both time and labour in the management of their affairs. If there is one hotel more than another requiring such a convenience, it is the Albion, in this town. Its numerous passages and winding staircases render it very difficult indeed for servants to give satisfaction when waiting on gentlemen occupying the upper part of the building. Our conscientious, R.M. surely was aware of the fact that the upper bar of the Albion was opened mainly for the purpose of serving*refreshments with economy and despatch to that*portion of the house where he himself delights so often in enjoying his otium cum dignitate ; and it is a wonder to me that he was not too con* scientious to imbibe his liquor in as house which he knew to have an illegal bar — indeed, I may go further, and say that' by so doing our very excellent R.M. aided and abetted the landlord in perpetrating an illegal act. How will his conscience get over that ? I really think he should apologise to the landlord, and return him the fine out of his own pocket. But, to be serious, the R. M. must, or should have known full well that the question of second bars in hotels is at the present time sub judice in Wellington, where the matter has been brought before the Supreme Couit ; and I am of opinion that he would have shown more wisdom and prudence had he reserved his judgment until the Supreme Court had decided the question. — I am, &c., Fair Play.