LICENSING COURT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 67, 9 March 1877, Page 2

LICENSING COURT.

Thursday, March 8, 1877,

The quarterly meeting of the Licensing Court for the Akaroa and Wainui Pigeon Bay, Okain's, and Little River districts, was held at noon. Present:—J. Aylmer, Esq., (Chairman), E. C. Latter, G. Saxton, W. G. Inman, Esqrs., Commissioners. TRANSFERS, Susannah Haines applied for the transfer of the license of Garwood's House on the Hill Top in her name. The police made no objection, and the Court granted the transfer for three months, the licensee to apply for a new license at the Annual Licensing meeting. W. M. Ashton applied for the transfer of the license attached to the Pigeon Bay Hotel in his name. Sergeant Ramsay said that he had heard the stabling accommodation complained of as being insufficient, it only containing three stalls. The Chairman said that great complaints had been made against the house, and that the stabling was not what it ought to be. It was a condition of the license that applicant should supply a five stall stable [Mr. Ashton—four stall.] The house appeared to be more fitted up for a bar trade. Numerous complaints had been made to him by persons resident in Christchurch and others who had occasion to pass through the district in reference to the way the house was conducted. Sergeant Ramsay said that there was every probability of a change taking place before long. Mr. Hay had informed him that the youngest member of the family would soon become of age, when the estate would be wound up, and a new hotel would be built. Mr Inman remarked that he was at the hotel the other day, and he noticed that it was in a very dirty state. The Chairman said that there was also that case of Stuarts, the facts in connection with which were most disgraceful, and it was evident that applicant had mistaken his calling. Although he had been absent on the days in question, nevertheless, as licensee, he was responsible. The Court .agreed to adjourn the case till I

Saturday, the 31st March, to afford the applicant an opportunity of improving the place, and it must be distinctly understood that the Court do not pledge itself to grant the license. The Court almost felt inclined to take the license away altogether. If it found that a great change had been made in the accommodation and management, it may grant the license ; but whether it be granted or not, will mainly depend on the report. a complaint. The Chairman stated that a complaint had been received of the inferior stabling accommodation attached to Pawson's Little Akaloa Hotel. The licensee had been previously warned about the matter, and he promised to effect the needful improvement. The sergeant of police was instructed to report upon the complaint at the annual licensing meeting. The Court then adjourned.