A GOOD RECORD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 957, 9 July 1908, Page 22

A GOOD RECORD.

The London “L.V. Gazette” remarks that to be a licensed victualler for close upon half a century without a complaint, especially in these’ days of strict police supervision, is a record to be proud of; and it is one to which Mr. Ralph Birchall, an old and highly respected Wiganer, may lay claim. Mr. Birchall has recently retired into private life after having taken out fifty licenses, this representing renewals at four licensed houses in Wigan. He also carried, out other work until 1858, when he became a licensed victualler, his firstlicense being the Honeysuckle Inn, Poolstock. Four years later he went to the White Swan Inn, Scholes, which license he held until March 14th, 1862, when he was granted a transfer to the Albion Inn, Millgate. In 1869 he began his long tenancy of the King’s Head, Market Place, which he held for over 28 years. Had he stayed in that hostelry until May next, when he would be eighty years of age, Mr. Birchall would have completed fifty years as a licensed victualler.