A BILLIARD-ROOM LICENSE

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2173, 31 August 1907, Page 1

A BILLIARD-ROOM LICENSE

[To tiie Editor.] Sir, —In reference to my application to the Borough Council for permission to enlarge my billiard room, and the refusal of my reasonable request, 1 would iiko to point out-the inconsistency of the Council’s attibu.de. Wh-,-. after being granted a licenso, should I be deterred from providing bettor accommodation for my patrons? Surely it is better to have a good, wholesome billiard room apart from the hotels. As a correspondent demonstrates in this morning’s issue, the action of the Council will only tend to drive yoiing men to the billiard rooms associated with the bar trade. It is nonsense to. think that limiting the size of my establishment will decrease billiard-playing. And where is the harm in this .interesting and' scientific game ? My billiard room is run on sound, respectable lines. There lias nover been a complaint against- my management 'either in Auckland or Gisborne. 'I pay a license of £5 per annum, and surely'if my business warrants it I liaVo a right, in common with other business' people, to enlarge my premises. I would further point out that during the day time very few patronise the billiard rooms, the main business being done of an evening. My -present, premises will only accommodate three tables, and as th© closing hour is 10 p.m. the takings are necessarily limited. Out of this I have to make my own living, pay’ a good rental, marker’s wages, gas] insurance]" and ''general'"upkeep. Being . under such heavy expense I want to build a suitable enlargement and instal two more, tables. The reason for the refusal of my application is not clear. The Town Clerk’s reply to me bases the-refusal on the building by-laws, as the section is within the brick area. Yet the newspaper reports of the Council meeting indicate tliat ; tlig Council was actuated by a desire to put down billiard-placing. If only the bnilding by-laws stood in the way I would know how I stand and may be able to amend tlio plans, •but with'the Council taking up such an illogical view on the question of billiard-room facilities I am in a quandary. I might mention that T am a British subject, permanently settled in New Zealand, and claim to ,be accorded British fair-play. I cannot; think that the Council fully grasped the position, and in the endeavor" to obtain justice -I intend to renew mv application.—l am, etc., M.SEGEDIN. August 30tli.