TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1917, Page 4

TELEGRAMS.

[FEU rnESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.)

A LICENSING- A 1 TEAL

CHRISTCHURCH, October 17

Mr. Justice Sim sitting in Banco to-dav heard the application of John McLaughlin, carrier, of Waimangaroa for a writ of mandamus to com-, pel Thomas 'Hutchison S. M-, and the members of the Buller LicensingCommittc to hear and determine liis application, (for a publican',s licensei'll respect of the premises known as the Past office Hotel at Waimangami. The application was granted. * His Honour held that as the application came before the committee, at its • annual meeting, and was adjourned to the quarterly meeting by the committee on its own motion, it must ho treated as having been ad•jour’ned to the, adjourned annual meeting, and the meeting «i r Sop-, tember” 12th. was a continuation of the annual meeting. Defendants were not present or represented at Court. Plaintiff’s application was before the committee at its annual meeting 011 June sth : but was adjourned by the committee to permit of certain repairs being affected to the premlises. When, the application was renewed at the quarterly meeting the committee held that it had no jurisdiction to grant. «■ license.

THE LIQUOR BILL,

COUNCIL'S AMEDMENT’S

WELLINGTON,- October 14

The Sole of Liquor Restriction Bill will again come un for consideration during the present week. Important alteration have been made in the Bill l,y the Legislative Council, ami some oi' these may not ho acceptable to the House of Representatives. If me House (is not satisfied with the Council’s amendments it will signify its disagreement, and then each House will appoint managers to discuss the points in dispute.

Some members are of opinion that the Bill as amended, has been made too rigid, and too stringent, and that it would cause unnecessary inconvenience to the travelling public. It weuia practically mean the closing up of the entire hotel business at 6 p.in., The strange thing i’s that the demand for great elasticity comes msfjinly from the temperance side, while the advocates of rigid closing are found among those outside the prohibition ranks. Our side contends that only the public bars should be dosed at 6 p.lll. while flip other side insists that no alcoholic liquor whatever should be sold except to hoarders after that hour. It is hinted that the ‘‘Trade” is endeavouring to makiV a new law as unworkable and unpopular as possible un the hope of ensuring its repeal or at any rate of discouraging further experiments in liquor legislation.

It is understood that tin* matter is at present receiving the attention of the Government, and that the Government is not prepared to accept all the amendments made by thy council.