THE LICENSING POLL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1921, Page 1

THE LICENSING POLL

WESTLAND SUGGESTION DISCREDITED. At the monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at Hamilton, North Island, last week (according to the Waikato Times) an interesting discussion took place regarding the suggestion of the Westland Chamber of Commerce that the licensing poll should be held in future at nine yearly periods, instead of every three years. The report proceeds:—

The Westland Chamber of Commerce asked the Chamber to support a request made by the Westland Chamber to the Government advocating that the Licensing Polls Act be amended in the direction of extending the period between licensing polls from three years to nine years, as an encouragement to hotel proporietors to extend their accomodation and improve the convenience for the travelling public. Experience of late, it was stated, had shown in most cities and towns that (he hotel accomniodaton was very inadequate for the requirements of travellers. Enquiry Had elicited the knowledge that the proprietors were not disposed to lay out large sums in additions and improvements owing to the precarious license tenure under the three years’ poll. To improve the conditions for the benefit of the travelling public, who were increasing in mi m bey year hv year, the amendment of the law suggested seemed most desirable.

Mr ITodd did not think the matter was one for the Chamber to discuss, jt concerned a money-making affair for a particular people, and affairs should be left to find their own level. It was a matter for the Government ho thought. The Chairman said that the point was the considering of better facilities for the travelling public. Mr Adams moved that the communication he ‘‘not received.” “I think it n barefaced thing to send to a place like this.”

Mr Hodd seconded the motion, but this was on the understanding, he explained later, that it “he received.” Mr de la Mare thought the motion somewhat discourteous. Tt was pointed out that another Chamber had forwarded the communication. The mover later altered his resolution to “be received.” On that understanding Mr Hodd seconded the resolution, which was carried.