MOTUEKA LICENSING COMMITTEE.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 187, 5 June 1903, Page 4

MOTUEKA LICENSING COMMITTEE.

The annual meeting of the Motueka Licensing Committee was held at the C.mrt House on Tuesday lust. Present -—Messrs Heaps, S.M. (chairman),- Franklyn, Baigeut, M.icmahon, Riley and Thomas.

Before proceeding with the business, Mr Heaps apologised to the other members of the 'Committee for not being present to open the proceedings at noon, as advertised. Monday had been a busy day witli him in Nelson, and the running of the steamers on Tuesday prevented him. from reaching i>A /tutrix ociorc one o'clock.

Mr A. T. Maginnity referred to the probable retirement of Mr Heaps from the civil service at an early date. That gentleman had been associated with the Licensing Committee as chairman for the past six years and he thought the occasion, possibly the last, a fitting one of expressing the high appreciation of the Bar of the satisfactory way MiHeaps had discharged the duties appertaining to his office. The speaker expressed a hope that the representation made to the Government in the direction of retaining Mr Heaps as Warden and Stipendiary Magistrate, which carried with it the chairmanship of the Licensing Bench, would be successful.

Mr Heaps, in reply, said the expressions of good will and confidence were extremely gratifying, and he thanked Mr Maginnity. Referring to the present Licensing Committee. Mr Heaps said he was pleased to welcome them back. The fact that they had been re-elected after serving six years shewer! that they possessed the confidence of the electors. The public seemed to be contented with the policy of the committee, during whose tetm of office great improvements had been effected in the licensed houses and their conduct. New buildings had.been erected at Takaka, Belgrove, Wakefield and extensive alterations made at Collingwood Upper Takaka, Brightwater, and in other parts of .the district: The following applications were then dealt with and in each case granted. Wholesale : A. Manoy. Publican's Licenses :—R. Kerr, Brightwater ; S. A. Boyce (Mr Maginnity), Motueka ; T. G. Brougham, Motueka; C. Holyonke, Motueka ; J. Hyde. Foxhill ; J. Williams, Wakefield ; F. Belgrove ; C. Downie (Mr Johansen), Murchison ; P. Brommell, Motupiko ; T. Thomason, Seddonville ; T. Muckle, Seddonville ; J. Vaughan, Seddonville ; A. Gaukrodger (Mr Maginnity), Waitapu ; W. Prussing, Collingwood ; J. Re illy, Takaka.

Accomodation Licenses : C. Neville (Mr Johansen), Newton Flat; E. A. Taylor, Baton ; D. Hunte (Mr Johansen), Fern Flat ; J. Oorlett, Motupiko : J. S. Harwood, Upper Takaka ; A. Tomlinsoa, Top House ; J. Kerr, Motueka Valley ; T. O'Ronrke, Matakitaki K. Simpson, Karamf.-a; H. Simpson, Little Wangaaui.

The license of the Swan was granted subject to improvements being etfejted in the billiard room ; and the Owin Junction Hotel, and Simpson's Hotel, Karamea, to be renovated to the satisfaction of the Police within six months. - -

The police-reports read were favorable, special mention being made of the enterprise of Mr J. S. Harwood, Upper Takaka, in erecting a substantia! up todate house for the accommodation of the travelling public. Constable Knapp of Sprinjj Grove, watched the proceedings on behalf of the police. - On account ot the enlargement of the boundaries of tlu Licensing district, entailing additional clerical work,* it was decided to recommend an in-

crease of the Clerk's salary by £5 per annum. Just before' the Committee rose the following resolution was carried unanimously, on the motion of Mr James Thomas, seconded by Mr Macuiahon, ''This Committee wishes to place on record their high appreciation of the capable manner m which the business of the Licensing meetings has been conducted by their chairman, Wilson Heaps Esq, and desire to express their great regret at his probable early retirement from the Government service. The Committee trust that the authorities may yet see their way to retain Mr Heaps' services as Stipendary Magistrate for this district, which carries with it the position of Chairman of the Motueka Licensing Com niittee ; also that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Minister of Justice."