AKAROA LICENSING COURT.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 353, 5 December 1879, Page 2

AKAROA LICENSING COURT.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

The quarterly meeting of the Licensing Court was held in the Court-house, Akaroa, on the above date.

The only Commissioners present were J. Aylmer, R.M., and A. C. Knight, Esq., J.P.

A. H. M'lntosh applied to have the license of the Little Akaloa Hotel transferred to Henry M'lntosh. The transfer was granted on the usual conditions. The applicant stated that as he was leaving tlie district for the North Island, it would be inconvenient for him to appear at the Annual Licensing Court. The Bench stated that his attendance would not be necessary.

The Bench here stated that as only two Commissioners were present, it would not be competent for them to take up the rest of the business that would come before the Court.

Mr Olpherf, of the Little River Hotel, who had been summoned by the police to attend and answer a charge brought against him for not supplying a person named Rankin with liquor, stated that to attend the Court again on so frivolous a charge would be a case of considerable hardship to him. The Bench said they had read the complaints contained in Rankin's letter addressed to them, which was the second complaint of tbe same sort, and he had on neither occasion attended, evidently not having the courage to back up his statements. In future the Bench would not pay any attention to his communications unless he brought a clear charge, with evidence to back it up, and support it personally. The Bench were sorry they had not the power to order Rankin to pay expenses. The Bench, without absolutely committing themselves, did not think Mr Olphert's presence would be necessary at the adjourned meeting.

Mr T. Brooks, of the Somerset Hotel, also stated that he had been requested by the police to be present, and asked if his attendance would be requisite at the next meeting. Sergeant Willis explained that the complaint arose out of the case of M'Evoy, in the R. M. Court. Mr Brooks explained the circumstances of the case, which were the same as given in the Police Court. The Bench informed Mr Brooks that he need not attend at the adjourned meeting.

No other Commissioner having put in an appearance so as to form a quorum, the Court then adjourned till Monday, 15th inst., at noon.