THE LICENSING COURTS.

Evening Star, Issue 3485, 24 April 1874, Page 2

THE LICENSING COURTS.

TOKOMAIRIRO. The first sitting of the new Licensing Bench, under the Act of 1873, was held in thl CoShouse on Tuesday, Mr James P. Maitland presiding, assisted by Messrs F. Wayne, Thomas Murray, and John L. Gillies, Commissioners. 1 here were twenty-three applications for general licenses, twenty of which were granted, and three refused. Of these latter, Mr Hilgenorf s was refused, as was also his application for a bottle license, owing to the circumstances he had placed himSelf in, in connection with Mr Lutnb, Revenue Officer. MrO’Rorke’s was refused on the unfavorable report as to the applicant’s habits. In Mr F, Bassett’s case there was a petition most largely and influentially signed by the settlers in the district against a license being granted, and supported by Messrs Mostly and _ Anderson. Noth withstanding a petition in his favor, signed by people principally non-residents, the Bench held, without expressing an opinion as to whether two-thirds of the residents had .signed against the application or not, that, looking to all the circumstances, they were carrying, out the spirit of the Act in refusing to giant a license. There were fifteen applications for bottle licenses one of which was refused—Mr James Blues—the Bench intimating that before another licensing term the applicant should put himself into! position to apply for a general license. Thero was one application for a brewer’s license! which was granted, and one for a bush licenseJamas Lees, Gatlin s River— which was refused on the report that the house was only conducted as a drinking shanty. Before granting Sv of the licenses, the Bench intimated that under n ® w , laT [ .was evidently intended that great strictness shotild be exercised writ therefore, tak * tlmt opportunity of say* th*t they were determined in all cases bid W °°“ l P lai ntß made as to houses m future to refuse mantes. Publroahs were rfimiacfocl fluft thq

licenses were not merely granted for their, own profit, but also for the accommodation of the public, and that if mstead of being a conveni* euce they became a nuisance, they might rely upon it they would not get their licenses renewed. The Bench were determined also to refuse licenses in all cases where it was shewn to them that men were encouraged to hang xu U v \S 0tl ® 8 drinking, or where drink was in the habit of being supplied to drunken men. Unless decency and the comfort of the public were looked to licensees might 1 not expect any sympathy. Another point the Bench dwelt on in several cases was, where another business was earned on in connection with and under the same roof as the hotel. -They had decided that, excepting under very exceptional circumstances, they would in future refuse all general licenses in such cases, and warned those in that position at present either to arrange their business under different _ buildings or make up their minds to their licenses at next sitting. In one case which was granted, the Bench remarked that they had not received a very good report as to the habits of the applicant, but that the house was well conducted and managed by his thrifty, industrious wife. They warned “hn risk he ran of having his license refused, and recommended him to endeavor to reach his “ wife’s standard.” There being no other house in that particular district, it might too greatly inconvenience the public to deprive him of the license at this time.— ‘ Herald.’ NASEBY. The Licensing Commissioners for this district sat here yesterday. General and night licenses were granted to Messrs George, Horsewell, Collett, Cogan, and Stewart; general licenses only to Messrs Bull, Millar, Grace, '™ a P n J an j Finder, and Eccles. Licenses were £f«?< se< * to Messrs Gason, Gostello, Keenan, M Gregor, Napier, and Robertson. WAIKOUAITI. There having been no objections lodged or opposition offered on the part of the police, all the applications were granted, except that of Barnard O’Neil, for a bottle license at Palmerston, which was put in too late. Mr Catomore. who appeared in support of the application, contended that as there was no mention made as to the mode of procedure for bottle licenses the application was quite formal under the Provincial Ominance. On of the Commissioners to grant the license Mr Catamore announced his intention of appealing to the Supreme Court. LAWRENCE. On Tuesday there was a large muster of pubboans from the surrounding parts, who came for their first application under the new Licensmg Act. In all cams except two, when the applicants appeared' personally, the licenses granted. One person was represented by Mr L. 0. Holmes, as agent, but the Bench determining to assert the time honored privileges of the gentlemen of the long robe, concluded not to hear any but professional gentlemen who mustered on the occasion in full force. This is another death blow to the “bush lawyers.”