POLICE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LICENSING ACT IN NELSON.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 846, 18 June 1910, Page 10

POLICE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LICENSING ACT IN NELSON.

Sir,-—The wide and increasing circulation of your paper, caused by 'its fearless utterances and impartial consideration to all persons given in its columns, has induced the writer to forward this contribution on a matter of importance to tho whole community. Your correspondent was present at tho last annual mooting of tho Nelson Licensing Committee. This committeo consists of one Independent, thrco NoLicense, and ono License . member, with the Stipendiary Magistrate as chairman. The Inst item of business at this meeting was a resolution moved by Mr. Atmoro (tho Independent and senior member) that tho Commissioner of Police should have an inrfuiry into tho police administration of the Licensing Act in tho Nelson district. This resolution was admitted by tho chaiTuian only after a very strong contest with tho mover, whoso arguments eventually overcame the chairman's views. The resolution, after being duly seconded, was put to tho mcctim;, and defeated in a very strange, unsatisfactory, and probably unprecedented manner. One of tho members, on speaking to tlio motion, said he was in favour of it, and would voto for it, if tho chairman would assure the committeo it was within their jurisdiction. This tho chairman did, adding, as his private opinion, that it would bo unwiso to pass it. Tlio idea, of being considered lacking in wisdom was evidently too much for tho No-Liccnso member, and he at onco voted against the resolution, which was lost on tho chairman's casting vote. The majority of tho elected members voted for it, and tho majority

wero tlio three who obtained the greatest number of votes at their election. Now it seems to bo hardly tho thing for tho Government appointee- to be able to upset, tho voto of tho majority of elected members of any board or committee. Tho previous magistrate (Mr. Eyre Kenny) recognised this, and lot it bo understood that, as he was a member on account of his legal knowlodge to givo rulings on points of law, ho would not voto against tho majority of elected mombers. Wholesome polieo administration is a matter of vital importance to the safety and welfare of any community, and any breath of suspicion as to its being so should be immediately inquired into, and if needed rectified. The statement by Mr. Atmoro that certain actions of the police have been taken only when forced upon them adds weight to tho contention that an inquiry is advisable.—l am, etc., S. H. STRONG. Nelson, June 8, 1910.