The Licensed Victuallers

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 360, 17 June 1897, Page 12

The Licensed Victuallers

The Sporting Review and Licensed Viottallers? Gazette has been appointed the Ofeicial Organ of the Trade. It offers special facilities for advertising “ transfers,” and other official announcements embracing as it does the extensive circulation of an already popular New Zealand and Australian sporting journal. The annual subscription to the Sporting ReView and Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette will be 12s 6d, payable strictly in advance. THE PARSONS AGAIN. ■: It appears by the published reports that simultaneously resolutions were passed on Sunday last in a number of churches in this colony against the sale of intoxicating liquor in the King Country. In last week’s issue we made pointed allusion to this particular matter, and stated what in our opinion was the most effectual remedy for the evils which now exist in connection with the liquor question as it obtains in the country outside the old confiscation line. Since the publication of our article on the subject, we have received numerous communications from the people directly and especially interested in the case, and the testimony has been unanimously in favour of our contention and recommendations. Either our article or some other cause has agitated the clerical mind afresh, and, as a result, the following resolution was passed, as previously indicated: — “This congregation urges upon the Government, in the interests of the Maoris, the duty of keeping the King Country free from the liquor traffic.” We ask in all fairness and all sincerity, why single out the King Country and deprive the natives who reside in that isolated (comparatively //.speaking) territory of the rights and privileges their brethren enjoy in other parts of this colony ? Are the gentlemen of the black cloth prepared to say that the Maori in the King Country is more susceptible of evil than any other natives in New Zealand ? And will the same gentlemen declare that the faculty or power of exercising freewill agency and self-restraint is any less strong in the followers of the deceased chief Kewi and the great and powerful Manuhua than they are in the Maoris who reside, say, at Otaki, in the south of this Island, or at Waimate (Bay of Islands), in the north. We reiterate our statement that the spiritual leaders of certain sections of the Christian Church know no more of what they are talking about on this matter than a cow does about a holiday, and their gross ignorance of the subj ect become to those familiar with the question more apparent as the ventilation of the matter increases. The real fact of the question is that the Maoris do not require the legal sale of intoxicating drink in the country under consideration as much as the European settlers who have to travel through the King Country to their homes, or as the travellers who visit the interior settlements in search of business. The parsons do not seem to realise that the settlements in the place where drink is alleged to be sold in considerable quantities are situated on the great arterial lines of railway and road which leads direct to Wellington, Stratford, and Waitara, via Awakino. These places are reached by three lines of road branching off from the main road, which runs through Otorohonga and Te Kuiti. If the agitators against the sale of liquor in the King Country by legal means would take steps to secure a poll of the settlers in the country (European and Native) to decide the question, we feel assured they would have such a lesson in prohibition by majorities as has never been obtained by the same means in any part of the : world Why do they not apply their principle here, in order if successful to ; strengthen their hands with the Government ? The answer appears to us as plain as the trunk on an elephant’s head,

viz., they are absolutely sure of defeat, and therefore prefer incessant agitation to one single solitary practical test. If the members of the “pump party” do not know that they have caused the premier of this colony to insult, by legislation, every Maori woman, in New Zealand, from the North Cape to Stewart Island, it is our duty to inform them that such is unquestionably the case, and we speak from personal knowledge when we say that the Maori women have already resented the insult, and if an opportunity offered itself in the King Country to resent the affront indicated, the effect would be decisive and practically final. We have attended many large gatherings of Maoris in the King Country, both political and social;

we have heard and have reported large meetings at Otorohonga and Te Kuiti, where resolutions have been passed in the presence of a Minister of the Crown in favour of the establishment of good hotels in their midst; the Minister has accepted the unanimous wish of the thousands assembled, and has promised, as Native Minister, to accede to their wishes; all has been orderly but enthusiastic; liquor was obtainable everywhere, but no sign of intoxication was to be seen; a concert, a dance, and general jollification took place in the evening, and the greatest prude could have taken no exception to- anything connected with the pleasant gathering. Everyone was delighted at the apparent solution of the trouble, but the final result showed how fallacious the whole thing was. Directly the matter became public the goody-goodies went to work, a handful of fanatics brought pressure to bear on the then premier, and either in the Cabinet Council or in some other way the resolutions of the Natives were ignored, the promise of the Native Minister was set aside, and there was great jubilation in the cold water camp. It has been said that an orange peel once upset a prince, and thus changed the whole destiny of a great nation. Does

not history in some degree repeat itself ? An insignificant section (numerically) of this community has apparently the power to dictate terms to the Government. It had the power to cause the Government to make it a penal offence to give a Maori lady a glass of wine, eventhough she were your guest, unless she were married to a European, and if the husband should be a drunken, dissipated fellow you could make the wife as drunk as you pleased without let or hindrance. In contemplation of these matters we are inclined to ask, “ Are we a free people ? If so, when are we to assert our liberty by declaring our determination to be governed by the people, and not by a band of fanatics who at present appear to instruct Cabinets, and virtually attempt to “run the show.” THE L.V. PORTRAIT GALLERY. In this issue we present the portrait of Mr Geo. Loram, who has recently become the proprietor of the Pier Hotel, Albert Street, Auckland. On taking possession of this well-known hostelry, Mr Loram at once commenced to effect large and costly improvements, not only in the building but also in the matter of a complete renovation of the furniture and the whole internal arrangements of the house, at the same time declaring his intention to make the house second to none in the city as a comfortable resort for his friends and the public generally. There is no hotelkeeper in the Provincial District of Auckland

more widely known than the subject of our sketch, he having successfully conducted licensed houses in the country districts and, more particularly, on the Auckland goldfields. His first venture in the hotel line was Mercury Bay, his next the Opaki Hotel, and afterwards to the Shakespear Hotel, Auckland. Then he became the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Whangarei, and leaving this he took possession of the Clarendon Hotel, Auckland, following which he kept the Thames Hotel also in this city. Mr Loram’s next venture was the building of a large and commodious hotel, known as the Kuatuna. Disposing of this he took possession of the Criterion Hotel, Paeroa, and then decided on a well-earned spell. After a brief retirement in private life, he moved into his present abode. At each and all of the places he has been, he was always characterised by the practical manifestation of a public spirit all local matters, which, in the ordinary course of events, aided largely in securing for him the large measure of popularity he now enjoys. In mining operations Mr Loram has borne his full share, and has rendered valuable service in the development of the industry, not only by imparting his matured knowledge, but also by large contributions in the shape of money investments. At the present time he has large vested interests in the fields, and is a director of several companies. In his hotel work he is exceedingly careful and energetic, and, at the same time, generous to a fault in aiding any poor or distressed traveller (if a genuine case) who visits his establishment. Already his old friends and country customers are rallying around him, and are satisfied that in a short time Mr Loram’s most sanguine expectations with, regard to the comfort and popularity of the Pier will be fully

realised. The principal part o£ the house is substantially built of brick, and it is contemplated toshortly add two shops, fronting the main street, to the hotel, and in the new part to erect a first-class billiard table. Mr.Loram is a great sport, being an excellent shot and exceedingly fond of a good racehorse, and in all his sporting as well as his business transactions the term, “ a straight man” applies to him in the fullest acceptation, of the term. The Pier is within a short distance of the wharf and railway station, and is erected on an elevated site. We feel assured the present management will cause it to constantly increase in business and popular favour. TRADE TOPICS. A deliberate attempt was made to burn the Ranfurly (late Star) Hotel, Wellington on Wed-* nesday last. Shortly after 9 o’clock a fire was discovered in a double-bedded room on the first floor, under the stairs leading to the second floor, and about the same time another fire was discovered in a box in a room leading to the fireescape from the second floor. In the first instance a mattrass had been saturated with kerosene, but the fire was extinguished by the occupants with little difficulty, only a portion oh the bed-linen and curtains being destroyed. On the upper floor the fire was in a box, in which crockery packed in straw was kept; kerosene had been used, but the fire was soon put out. Had the fire got a firm hold the means of exit from the top floor would have been completely cut off. Mr Crossey, the landlord, is unable to give any idea as to the culprit, and the matter is being investigated by the police. Another singular affair is that about 2 o’clock on Wednesday morning,, when retiring to bed, Mrs Crossey discovered that the hearthrug in one of the sitting-rooms was smouldering with a live ember on it, while the fire in the grate was out The hotel was recently renovated throughout, and since the present occupants took possession no kerosene has been used by them in the hotel, nor was there any on the premises, so far as they knew. The furniture and building, the latter owned by Mr Allen Maguire, are all insured, but little or no damage was done.

The prospectus of the Tonson Garlick Company appears in our advertising columns. The com- ' pany has acquired the business so long and favourably known as the People’s Furnishing Warehouse in Queen-street, the factory and other leasehold premises in Lorne-street, with all stock in trade, etc. The nominal capital of the company is £40,000 in 40,000 £1 shares, 25,000 paid up and 15,000 contributing. Five thousand shares are offered to the public at par, which will form part of the working capital of the company, the payment of 10s. on application and 10s. on allotment, making them fully paid up shares, on j which no further call is payable. The remain- ’ ing 10,000 shares are reserved until such time as shareholders may determine to offer them. Application for shares should be forwarded to the secretary on or before June 21.

In future the police are to give notice in writing to the licensees of repairs that they may deem necessary to any hotel at Napier. A resolution was passed that alljlicenses in the borough be for 11 p.m., and that the street lamps outside the buildings be also extinguished at that hour. Mr Cresswell, who appeared for a number of publicans, pointed out that this duty devolved upon the landlords, some of whom trusted to the servants to extinguish the lamps, but orders were not always obeyed, and if authority was given to put the lamps out at 11 p.m., when the hotels closed, the landlords could personally see that the law was properly carried out. At the Magistrate’s Court at Timaru the other day. Sergeant Fraser, in charge of the local police station, complained to the Stipendiary Magistrate that on the previous Saturday one of his constables, whilst arresting a man for drunkenness, was unwarrantably interfered with by a certain justice of the peace. This gentleman, after the arrest, went to the police station, and, insisting that the person arrested was not drunk, uttered various threats about what he would do to the police for their action. He accompanied Sergeant Fraser to the gaol to see the man, and it was to be inferred that he then changed his opinion as to the man’s condition, for he said no more. Sergeant Fraser said that asthe justice of the peacehad not come forward to make a complaint, as he had threatened to do, he (Sergeant Fraser) would take other means to have the matter inquired into. No name was mentioned. The person arrested had been bailed out, and did not appear when called, and his bail was estreated, evidence being given to show that he had been intoxicated.

The Wairarapa publicans have reason to be pleased. The police reports submitted to the Carterton Licensing Bench, concerning all the hotels in the district, were favorable. In the face of these reports, however, a Mr Fairbrother, in strange contradiction to his name, said that if a member of the committee knew anything against the character of an applicant he thought it should be a sufficient reason to have the application deferred, and he thought the magistrate’s certificate was not conclusive enough. This insinuation was very properly resented by the chairman of the bench (Mr W. R. Hazelden), who said that the remarks were offensive to the magistrate who had made enquiries and was satisfied with the character of applicants. Mr Fairbrother became apologetic and said he did not mean his remarks to be offensive, but he knew of reports being current in reference to holders of licenses. If this gentleman had so interested himself as to listen to the voice of slander, why did he not formulate the reports and give three days notice of objection, in compliance with the Act, but possibly he shrank from the responsibility. Mr Fairbrother, it maybe remarked, is a member of the Carterton Licensing Committee’ There are at present twenty-seven prohibition orders in force at Masterton, and the publicrli. and his servants are supposed to know them all.

In Invercargill, in future, refreshments in hotels may be obtained up to 11 o’clock. If aman imbibe, and he wishes to hide the aroma arising from strong waters, let him not eat cloves, for as a Yankee paper puts it —

The man who eats cloves ’’ May disguise his condition ; But he’s never quite free From the breath of suspicion. That is our own boss’s sentiment when he smells peppermints. When tbe mail left business in the wine and spirit trade was beginning to assume a very active aspect in London in anticipation of the Diamond Jubilee. In fact, it is reckoned it will be a “ record ” season, especially in champagne, which is the wine of the day. “ Why was Lazarus a beggar ? ” asked a Sabbath school teacher of her class. “ Please ma’am,” replied the smallest boy, whose father was a pushful hotelkeeper, “ because he didn’t advertise.” On April 6th (states the London Licensed, Victuallers' Gazette), Arthur Layzell, of the Crown beer-house, Phillip Boad, Peckham, was charged with refusing to assist a police officer in the execution of his duty. Inspector Leach stated that on March 21st he was in plain clothes in Phillip Boad, Peckham, and had a prisoner in custody, who assaulted him and struggled to escape Companions, about twelve in number, surrounded and assaulted him, and endeavoured to rescue the prisoner. The defendant was standing at the door of his house. Witness dragged the prisoner towards the house, and said to the defendant, “ I call upon you in the Queen’s name to assist me with this prisoner. I am a policeman, and you know me. Let me get him inside the house.” The defendant replied, “ I can do nothing. I am here alone, and all these roughs outside.” Witness was then dragged away by the mob, and ultimately he was overpowered, and the prisoner escaped. The man was afterwards arrested, and with two others was now undergoing imprisonment. The defendant said he could call witnesses, but they were not present that day.—Mr Hopkins said he had no jurisdiction to deal with the case, but must send it for trial, when the defendant could call any witnesses he pleased. He was then committed for trial at the Sessions, but his own recognisances for £5O were taken as bail.

How many people will agree that the police were right if the following, from the London Licensed Victuallers' Gazette, is a correct statement of facts : —Thomas Winder, White Hart Inn, Caldbeck, was charged with having his licensed premises open for the sale of intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours on Sunday, April fjth ; and Mary Priestman, married woman, Howbeck ; and Hannah Parker, single woman, schoolmistress, Sebergham, were charged with having been on the premises. Mr Gibson defended. Police-constable Stamper stated that he visited the White Hart at half-past ten. He found the two female defendants standing with each a glass of wine. Mrs Priestman asked if they were doing wrong, and he said “ Yes.” She said, “ I haven’t touched mine, and I will set it down again if it makes any difference.” He said, “ That doesn’t matter. You have got it.” Mrs Priestman then said, “ I’ll have it; I paid for it,” adding, “We have put the horse up here, and I did not think we were doing wrong. Miss Parker has not been very well lately, and she thought a glass of wine would keep her warm while in church.” The landlord was outside putting the horse up, and he replied he wouldn’t have refused them if he had been in the house, as he thought there was some allowance for people going to church. In reply to Mr Gibson, witness said the landlady did not tell him she gave the ladies the wine. Mr Gibson said Mrs Priestman and Miss Parker drove from Howbeck on a cold but bright morning. Miss Parker was a delicate young lady, and it being a cold morning, Mr Winder, who came forward to take the horse, said, “ This young lady doesn’t look well, you had better go into the house and get something,” They went into the house and brought Miss Parker a glass of port wine and Mrs Priestman a glass of ginger wine. The ladies merely went into the house to warm themselves, and were given this liquor. Hannah Parker, a rather delicate looking young woman, gave evidence corroborative of Mr Gibson’s statement, adding that they got the wine when the policeman was standing near, but did not offer him a drop. The Chairman said they considered the police quite justified in bringing this case before the magistrates, but under the circumstances they would not convict. They hoped this would be a warning to those people to be more careful in future ; and also to the innkeeper as to the way he conducted his house. The following (from an exchange) shows that the Local Option League in New. South Wales is not in a healthy state : —“ The Local Option League of New South Wales is still lingering. At the annual conference, held in Sydney recently, the officers complained that it ‘ had been very difficult to sustain interest in temperance work in consequence of its lack of freshness . . . and that financial aid was meagre.’ A motion, that in view of the present state of parties in Parliament, and in order to effect speedy legislation, it be a recommendation to the annual convention from the council that provision for all round reasonable notice be inserted in the Local Option Bill, was moved, but the discussion on the matter was held over for a fortnight. We will then know what Boyce and his ‘ lambs’ deem ‘ allround reasonable notice.’ ” A list of brewers and wine and spirit merchants’ licenses, issued for the year 1897, and ,published in accordance with section 159 of the “ Customs and Excise Duties Act, 1890,” shows that sixty-three brewers’ licenses and four hundred and eighty-six wine and spirit merchants’ licenses were issued . producing an annual revenue of £13,725. The most generous contributors to the country’s exchequer is Coghlan and Tulloch’s Ballarat'Brewing Co., who have taken out four brewers’ licenses and three wine and spirit licenses.