THE NEW LICENSING BENCH.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2474, 11 March 1882, Page 3

THE NEW LICENSING BENCH.

All unbiassed and disinterested people must feel satisfaction at tha decision of the Licensing Committee for North Christchurch in refusing to grant an extension of hours to certain houses. In the first place the applicants could have no case whatever. They were a class of hotels to which the argument of the public convenience could not by any means apply. Had the larger family hotels made the application they might, have done so with a shadow of justice; but even in this case the privilege, we contend, should be granted most sparingly, and under such conditions as would insure its not being abused. Some of the arguments brought forward by the learned gentleman making the application were irresistibly funny. For instance, he laid great stress on the point that the Golden Age, if allowed to remain open till twelve o’clock, would be of great convenience to persons waiting for trams. Those acquainted with the city will be able to appreciate to the full the rich humor contained in this, and also to estimate the amount of weight it had with the Bench. Whether or not it is conducive to public convenience to allow hotels to be open till midnight is, we think, a very debateable point. Something may be said in favor, and a great deal against. However it may be, the present applicant entirely failed to make out any case at all, and Mr. Thomas wisely withdrew the remainder of the applications. As regards the warning given by the chairman, we trust those whom the cap fits will take it seriously to heart if they desire to hold licenses. The committee appear to desire to discourage the multiplication of grog shops, and in this they will have the support of the public. Those hotelkeepers, therefore, who have accommodation, but for some reason or other decline to allow it to be utilised, had better set their house iu order before June next.