LICENSING COURT.

Globe, Volume VII, Issue 767, 5 December 1876, Page 3

LICENSING COURT.

CHRISTCHURCH. Tusday, December 5. [Before G. L. Hellish, Esq, R.M., chairman ; H. J. Tancred, and G. L. Lee, Esqg., Commissions.] The quarterly sitting of the Licensing Court for the Christchurch district was held at noon. The following applications were considered, HOTEL LICENSES. John Johnstone applied for a hotel license for premises in Colombo street south. Mr G. Harper appeared to support the application, and said that the house] had been finished since the previous application was made, and everything done as required by the Court. The house had been inspected by the police, and reported upon favorably. Inspector Buckley told the Court that the accommodation required by the Ordinance had now been provided, and the house was thoroughly finished ;and furnished. In reply to the chairman, Mr Harper said the want of a proper urinal, as pointed out by the Inspector, had since been provided. Application granted. J. Mumford, corner of Madras street and south belt. Mr Wynn Williams appeared for the applicant, and handed plana to the Court, which were however in an unfinished state, and the rooms, as shown on it, were exceedingly small. The chairman said the Court would be inclined to grant a license to a really good house, but would not for a building with small unsuitable bedrooms. It was felt by them that a really good house in that locality would be a convenience to the public. On the application of Mr Williams, the Court allowed the application to stand over for a fortnight to allow of the applicant having proper plans of a suitable building prepared for the consideration of the Court. John Garland applied for a license for a new hotel, to be erected in Manchester street near the corner of the South belt, Mr Thomas appeared to support the application, and submitted plans of the proposed building, to be 55ft by 32ft. He said the applicant had secured an acre of land on which the house stood, for which a wine and beer license was at present held. The Court did not consider the plans sufficiently suitable for the class of house that ought to be erected there. Mr Thomas said he would be prepared to submit plana for a different building if the application were adjourned. The chairman said that applicants for licenses for new houses should be made aware that under clause 5 of the Act it was necessary that the plans should be deposited with the clerk at least four days before the meeting of the Court, and that the size of the various rooms should be plainly marked on the plans. The Court did not intend to grant new licenses unless they were really suitable buildings. Thomas Quill, of the Provincial Larder, Cashel street, applied for a hotel license. Mr Joynt appeared for the applicant, and Mr Thomas in opposition. Mr Joynt said that the applicant had made extensive alterations to the house, and had also refurnished it. The restaurant was at present largely patronised by most respectable persons, and the house would prove especially convenient to artisans. Mr Quill had conducted a house for many years at Ashburton, and the Court would see from the testimonials handed in the opinion of the residents of that district in favor of the applicant. Inspector Buckley told the Court that the house was very nicely furnished, and the rooms were very suitable. Mr Thomas was about to make some remarks in opposition, when Mr Joynt objected, as the required notice under the Act had cot been given. The Court upheld Mr Joynt’s contention, and declined to hear Mr Thomas or Mr Carl and others. The chairman said that irrespective of the opposition the Court did not think the house was required as an hotel in the neighbourhood. They were perfectly satisfied with the manner in which it was being at present conducted under the wine and beer license now held. The application would be refused. WINE AND BEER LICENCES. J. F. Douglas applied for a wine and beer license for premises at corner of Durham and St Asaph streets. Mr Thomas appeared for the applicant. The application was opposed by the Bev T, R, Fisher, who pointed out that a license had been refused on three previous occasions for this house. Mr Thomas said that the previous license applied for had been hotel licenses, and a number of lodgers lived at this place. The application was also opposed by the Rev J. B.Macfarlane and another gentleman, who stated that the majority of the residents in the locality were opposed to this license being granted. The chairman said the Court did not feel inclined to grant the license. Application refused. John Paynton, renewal of license at New Brighton. Mr Thomas appeared for the applicant, The police reported favorably, and the license was granted. J. M. Fitzgerald, Harper street, Newtown. Mr Thomas appeared for the applicant, and Mr Wynn Williams to oppose. This was the fourth application that had been made for this house. Mr Thomas said the nearest hotel from this house was the Crown, about half a mile distance. The license was only wanted for the convenience of lodgers and other persons who visited the house to obtain meals. Applications granted. TRANSFERS. The following transfers were confirmed : Black Horse Hotel, from trustees of Mary Martin to Mary Martin ; from P. W. Thiele, City Hotel, Christchurch, to G. T. Lloyd, Mr Harper, for Mr Thompkins, submitted plans for the approval of the Court, for a new house which be desired to erect on the Stanmore road. After considering the plans, the chairman said the locality would be inspected, and the Court might possibly express an opinion ou the want of such a house in the neighbourhood at the next quarterly sitting. The chairman instructed Inspector Buckley to inform licensees of houses that the Court were of the opinion that it was desirable that proper urinals should be provided to each house, which would be accessible from the street. It was their intention to make this provision a condition to granting any future licenses. The Court adjourned for a fortnight.