NEWTOWN LICENSES

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 970, 17 August 1903, Page 3

NEWTOWN LICENSES

ARE THE POLICE ACTING UNDER INSTRUCTIONS ? In the House of Representatives on Friday evening, Mr Herdman asked a question without notice, whether instructions had been issued to the police by the Government not to prosecute publicans in Newtown who had been selling liquor without a license since June 30th. Mr MoGowan said he was not to bo drawn in that way. If the member would put a question on the Order Paper he would be most happy to answer it. At a later stage Hr Herdman alleged that the course of justice had been interfered with by the Ministry. Mr Seddon pointed out the serious position that might ensue if publieans were turned out at Newtown. The Privy Coun, oil might say that hotelkeepers were entitled to licenses, and then what position would we be in ? Mr Taylor contended that there was no doubt the Administration had put its band on the police force of the colony, and stopped the course of law in regard to the continued opening of the Newtown hotels. The whole evidence went to show that the Premier had thrown his personal prejudice into the question against the interests of law and justice. If that sort of thing were allowed to continue they might as well by Order-in-Counoil, or some other means, abolish the Courts of Justice said the suggestion that the oourso of justice had been interfered with -was entirely wrong, and he challenged Mr Herdman to prove his statement. _