LICENSING TRUST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 105, 16 February 1950, Page 4

LICENSING TRUST

ASHBURTON INITIAL MEETING MR. KELLY IS CHAIRMAN Without loss of time, for it legally came into existence only yesterday morning, the Ashburton Licensing Trust held its initial meeting at the Borough Council Chambers last evening. Mi' George Kelly, County Clerk for many years, was elected chairman, and Mr J. F. Cleary, formerly Senior-Sergeant of Police at Ashburton, deputy-chairman. Mr R. C. Major, Town Clerk, was appointed interim secretary. All members of the Trust, Messrs Kelly, Cleary, H. C. B. Withell, E. A. Cockroft, W. B. Thomas and A. F. Wells, were present last evening, and, in accordance with the terms of the Act, the Returning Officer (Mr Major) took the chair. When Mr Major called for nominations for the position of chairman, Mr Kelly was the only nominee, he being proposed by Mr Wells and seconded by Mr Withell. Mr Major then declared Mr Kelly elected. “I hardly know how to express my appreciation,” stated Mr Kelly, as he took over charge of the meeting, “but I thank you all most sincerely. We all must realise that we have a tremendous job ahead of us, but, as we are all used to dealing with big jobs, we should be able to deal with this one. With the assistance of all members, which I know will be forth coming, we. should carry out our task “The electors have decided, in a democratic way,” proceeded Mr Kelly, “that we should take steps to provide for the supply of liquor, accommodation and refreshment for Ashburton, and I am sure that will be done. Starting from scratch as it were, with only the authority under the Act, we have a big task ahead. - I know we cannot hope to please all, for some will want us to go faster and others that we go slower, but our intentions will certainly be honest. Obviously we must go slowly and carefully at the start. It will be my earnest endeavour to make the work of the trust successful in every way.” Deputy-Chairman Appointed

Practically without discussion, it was then decided to proceed with election of a. deputy-chairman, Mr Wells proposing that this step be taken.

Mr Wells also proposed Mr Withell for the post, but the nominee declined, saying that he would sooner see somebody higher up on the polling list apointed. Mr Withell then nominated Mr Cleary, this was seconded by Mr Cockroft, and the motion was carried without further discussion.

Dates for meetings of the Trust evoked a brief discussion, and it was' resolved that these be held from time to time, as decided by the chairman or secretary. In reply to questions, Mr Major said that the Mayor (Mr E.-’C. Bathurst) was agreeable to the speaker acting as secretary for a few weeks, provided this did not involve too much absence from his duties as Town Clerk. On the motion of Mr Cockroft, seconded by Mr Withell, Mr Major f was then apointed 'interim secretary. It was then resolved to hold a ; round-table discussion on various aspects of the work required from the Trust, and, on the motion of Mr Withell, seconded by Mr Wells, this was taken in committee.