LICENSING

Southland Times, Issue 20200, 10 June 1927, Page 8

LICENSING

WESTLAND COMMITTEE. HOTELS WELL CONDUCTED. (Pet United Press Association.) Hokitika, June 9. The annual meeting of the Westland Licensing Committee, Mr Meldrum, S.M., presiding, took place to-day. Lengthy reports were submitted by the Health Department and the police. Inspector O’Halloran stated the West Coast hotels were very well conducted, but some were very old and getting worse year by year. Dr. Telford addressed the Bench in regard to the powers of the Health Department, but his attitude was questioned by several counsel. The chairman said the I powers of the medical officer of health I were exceedingly extensive, but the only clause of the Act that affected the Licensing Committee was one in which it was instructed to take into consideration the recomof the department. All the committee had to decide was whether applicants complied with the reasonable requirements of the general public and the legal require- ! meats of the Licensing Act. It was not reasonable to expect consideration could be given for what was necessary for the next ten years when a license for only one year could be given. Dr. Telford stated in view of the decision of the committee, he would take individual action where it was considered necessary. The committee granted all renewals, except seven that were adjourned for three months to enable repairs required to be effected.