AUCKLAND LICENSE.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16816, 7 June 1926, Page 4

AUCKLAND LICENSE.

QUANTED TO AMBASSADORS, 'By Telegraoh.—Press association.)! AUCKLAND, Saturday. After almost an hour's deliberation, the Auckland Licensing Bench this afternoon granted a license to the premises in Quay Street, known as the Ambassadors’ Hotel. The decision brought to a close a three days’ action, which has been followed with, intense interest by the pubtie. Sir John Findlay and Mr ft. A. Singer appeared for the owners of the property, Mr .T. C. Gleeson, and Inc prospective licensee, Mr T. B. O’Connor. Mr A. it. Johnstone and Mr Tuck represented the memonilisls opposed, to the application, and Superintendent Mclivency, the police. “i feel bound.” said Mr E. C. Cutten, S.M., in delivering judgment, "to dissociate myself from tile decision of the majority of the committee in this matter. When application for the removal of the license to this hotel in Quay Street was before the Licensing Bench six months ago, it was refused on the ground that a license was not required in the neighbourhood. With that decision I was in entire agreement. To-day, the application for a license for these premises is again before the committee. The only new feature with regard to the application is that a very large expenditure has actually been made upon the house ia make it so far as its size will permit, elaborately suitable for an hotel. In my opinion this should not bo accepted' as an important ground in deciding whether or not a license should ba granted for these premises. The important ground is whether there is £ necessity for a license in the neighbourhood. A majority of the elected members of the committee, however, is of opinion that the Thames license should not be allowed to lapse, and of the two houses the committee now has an opportunity of considering Kenilworth and the Ambassadors, the majority has decided to grant the application for a license to the latter premises. I am opposed to this decision and regret it, but the applica-< lion is granted.” PROTEST BY CHURCHES. AUCKLAND, Monday. Protests against the granting of a license to tlie. Ambassadors’ Hotel in Quay Street were made by the congregations of various Auckland churches yesterday.