THE LICENSING ACT.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 4068, 15 June 1882, Page 2

THE LICENSING ACT.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT. [FROM A WELLINGTON CORRESPONDENT.] A deputation of Licensed Victuallers waited, on Wednesday, on the following members — Messrs. Hutchison, C. Johnson T. Weston, Fitzgerald, Daniels, Sutter, and Munro — and made the following recommendations as to amendments in the Licensing Act : — Mr. Robert Walker, of the Prinoe of Wales Hotel, Wellington, acting as spokes* man, said the Licensing Districts were too small, and should be a Borough, County, or Road Board District. The Licensing Benches shonld be nominated by the Go* rernment, not elective, as so few take an interest in the election. That no bottle licenses should be issued, or have one law for the whole Colony. That there should be no wine licenses, as little or no wine is made in New Zealand. Thnt on Sundays publicans should be allowed to open from 1 to 3 (afternoon) and from 7 to 10.30 (evening) the same as in the old country. If bottle licenses be continued as at present in Otago and Nelson that a proportionate reduction be made in the publican's license fee. That freedom of contract between employers and barmaids be allowed, but not for longer than ten hours. That the clauses for providing the endorsement on license be expunged, as a fine is sufficient, and the Licensing Benches always have the power to refuse licenses to badly conducted houses. The effect of endorsement is out of all proportion to the offence, and could be made the means of deterioration and almost conßscation of property. Section 170 should be struck out, and should not convict on suspicion or on presumptive evidence. Section 190 should be struck out, and provision made to allow of appeal to Supreme Court, as at present it is unfair and exceptional legislation for a trade which has a larger amount of money invested in it than any other business in the country. Sections 204 to 211, both inclusive, should be struck out, as the clauses are legislation for criminals, the punishment being out of all proportion to the offence, and does not respeot the rights of owners of property. The licensing benches always had power to refuse licenses on proof of misconduct. Section 37 (2), embodying extra fee for additional bars, should be amended to allow the holder of a publican's license to sell upon any part of his premises, specially in the case of a billiard-room, without extra fee. Section 56: A return should be made to the old law in the mode of applying for licenses, especially in the case of renewals, and the fee of £50 is sufficient to cover all expenses. Section 124 should be expunged, and publicans to keep their lamps lit from sunset until the hour of closing. Mr. Hutchison, on behalf of the other members, replied, generally agreeing to the suggestions made, and promising to support most of the amendments put by the deputation.