LICENSING MATTERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume LII, Issue 5166, 12 June 1891, Page 3

LICENSING MATTERS.

o SIX LICENSES K3FUSED. TV7O GRANTED. (By. Tblkgbafii.) OUniSTCHUBCH, Junk 11. The Sydouham Licensing Oommitteo announced their decision this morning m regard to applications for licensee. Tho chairmiin said lhe circumstances under which the committee actod woro unusual, and ho doomed it necessary to indicate plainly on what basis thoy proceeded. They were elected Q3 a prohibition committoe, and under tho impression that they wero empowered to refuse all licenses. Thoy found themselves restrained from such aotion by Mr Justics Denniston's interpretation of tbe Act, and felt that they had no option but to oboy such an order until such timo as Elis Honour's order was reversed or confirmed by the Court of Appoal. The two points to which tbey had to give effect to wero (1) That they wore not to refuso licenses applied for on the ground only that the licenses were not required by tho majority of tho ratepayers of Sydonham ; (2) That m considering whether such licenses are required they must consider whether tbey wore | required according to tho reasonable wants of residents who may desire to purchase liquor. They had striven to act m recognition of theso directions, but it seemed that His Honour did not direct them to ignore tho desire of tho community that no excessive drinking facilities should oxinb m their midst, and did not direct them to do more than allow | provision for meeting tho reasonable requirements of the residents. Tho hotels were m close proximity to ono another, and the committee had takon this fact into consideration m dealing with the applications. The chairman thon announced that the decision of the committee wnß that they rofuaed the renewals of six out of tho eight applications, on the ground that t!;e committee, of their own motion and aftor hearing evidenoo, were of opinion tbat the premises were nofc required. With respect to the two remaining applications tho committee woro inclined to grant them, but postponed decision until June 22nd. Notico of applications for adjournments wan given m the bix casioa, but adjournments were absolutely refused.