Foxton Licensing Court.

Manawatu Herald, 9 June 1892, Page 2

Foxton Licensing Court.

Wednesday Bth June

The annual meeting of the Foxton Licensing Committee was held in the Court house, Foxton, yesterday at noon. Present -Alrß. Austin, (Chairman), and Messrs Startup, Jenksi and Little.

The following applications for licenses were brought before the meeting. J. K. Stansell, Whyte's hotel, (granted) ; E. Cawston, Manawatu Hotel (granted) ; H. Border (Foxton Family Hotel (granted). Thomas Keegan applied for a license for the building known as Aberdeen House. On the application of Mr Keegan the Committee adjourned at 12.15 till 2 p.m. to allow him to be represented by counsel. On the Committee resuming at 2 p.m., Mr Bolton attended on behalf of Thomas Keegan. Mr Bolton desired to point out that the poll under the local option clauses was carried in favour of an increase. As regarded Mr Keegan's character the highest references could be given. As to the necessity of another house it had been shown that the district was large and increasing, and that the holders of the three present licenses had been doing very well.' Mr Keegan was coming to settle, and would spend a large sum in improving the premises. He placed the plans before the Committee, by which it would be seen that it would bt. a substantial two-storey building. He pointed out that Mr Keegan would be placed at a great expense in making these alterations. The general wish of the townspeople is for the house. The owner 'of - the property was a very old resident, and it would be much advantage to the family to grant the license. He suggested that in case the Committee were equally divided in opinion, they had power to adjourn to Mr Ahern's bouse, the member who was absent through ill-health. The Committee retired. On returning, The Chairman said that the Committee saw no reason for an increase in the licenses in the district.

The license would not be granted.

One Committeeman said that the decision was really 2 votes for, and 2 against. Mr Bolton asked that the Committee would adjourn until Mr Ahem could be present.

The Chairman said the Committee objected to an adjournment. Mr Bolton said he should apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to compel the matter to be heard.