The Westport Times TUESDAY, JAN 21, 1882.

Westport Times, Volume XVI, Issue 1969, 24 January 1882, Page 2

The Westport Times TUESDAY, JAN 21, 1882.

Any day's telegrams may now convey the information that the- licensing districts under the new Act have been defined and proclaimed. Then will follow the elections of Licensing Committees, which, in some districts, will give rise to even more exciting contests than have lately been experienced during the general election tor the House of Representatives Writing of this matter the Christchurch Press says: —Under the legislation of last session the Licensing Commissioners, who have hitherto performed the duty of regulating the liquor traffic, will disappear, and in their place we shall have Licensing Committees, elected by the ratepayers of districts. Each Committee is to consist ot five persons, who may be residents either within or without the district. But there are certain persons who are disqualified from occupying a seat on the Committee, viz , any brewer, wine and spirit merchant, malster, distiller, importer for sale of or dealer in liquors, or in partnership with any such person, or who acts as the agent or auctioneer for such person ; also who is interested iu such business, or in any such house, building or premises as mortgagee or otherwise; who is the owner in fee or for any less estate of any licensed house; who has been bankrupt or insolvent within four years, and has paid less than 10s in the pour.d. General and Local Government Officers are also disqualified The powers of the Committe are very large. They are not compelled to issue new licenses, simply because the ratepayers by vote have affirmed that the number in any district may be in creased. It is left entirely to their d'scretion. The mere fact that the requirements of the law as to accom modation and personal fitness have teen complied with does not make it imperative on their part to grant an application, " unless in their opinion there is a necessity for the public house or other establishment lor the sale of intoxicating liquors.'" Even as regards renewals, a Committee may refuse to grant a certificate if it is proved to their satisfaction that such license is liable to be forfeited under any of the provisions ot the Act; and amongst the valid grounds of objection to the granting of a renewal is one that the licensing of the house " is not required iu the neighborhood," or " that the quiet of the place in which such premises are situated will be disturbed if a license is granted " It will therefore be seen that a great deal depends upon the character of the Licensing Committees. The discretionary power placed in their hands is very great. A district that is determined to rid the locality of public houses has practically iu its power to do so. The ratepayers can elect meu who hold the same views as they themselves do regarding these institutions. They cau easily prevent any fresh licenses being granted, and can moreover set about the task of finding objections to renewals. What the outcome of tluj contest will be we have no reliable means of judging. That the Licensed Victuallers will put forth their strength is only to be expected.