Licensing Court.

Patea Mail, 7 December 1881, Page 3

Licensing Court.

A quarterly sitting of the Licensing Court was held at the Court House yesterday, at noon. The licensing justices on the bench were Mr Wray 7 , R.M., Mr Livingstone, Dr Croft, and Mr Christie, J.P.’s. Refusing- Extension of Hours. Mr Hutchison applied,on behalf of Mr O. McKittrick, for permission to extend the hour of closing beyond ten o’clock. It would have to be done under the old law, as the new provisions on this head do not y r et apply to this district. Mr Wray : The power to extend under the old Ordinance means for one night. Mr Hutchison : The power is general, and no limit is stated. Mr Wray 7 : It has been the practice here to construe the Ordinance in that way. , We should like to be able to extend the time beymnd ten p.m., if possible, because it would be advisable in some cases. Mr Hutchison : The publicans vould be glad to take the license or permit "m for what it is worth. Mr Wray : How is the Central Hotconducted ? Sergeant Donovan : It has been very badly conducted ; and from the conduct of the proprietor latterly, it appears to me that he is not fit to conduct a hotel. It was only on Sunday night last that a very' unseemly row took place. After going into the hotel, it was found that the applicant himself was the only person creating a row and fighting. Mr Hutchison urged that if a report of this kind was to be made by the police, without notice, the applicant ought to have opportunity of answering it, and this application might be adjourned for that purpose. Perhaps the applicant was prepared to answer it now. Mr Wray ; We can hardly entertain an application of this kind unless we are satisfied that the house is properly conducted.

Sergeant : At the annual licensing I shall take it on myself to oppose his license. As this row occurred only' last Sunday' night, the ten day's’ notice could not be given to the applicant. Mr M’Kittrick : Allow me to explain. Sergeant : Instead of it being a public convenience to sell grog till 12 at night, I should call it a public nuisance. It would mean one o’clock in the morning, from the man’s own temper and manner. Several reports have been made to me as to the manner in which he is treating his customers and boarders—kicking them out.

Magistrale : Have you seen him kicking any out ?

Sergeant : No, but from reports. On Sunday night last, Constable Crozier heard a row about 10.30, and found Mr M’Kittrick fighting in the house. He scandalised a respectable female boarder by turning her out, and she complained to me, and had to seek lodging. Mr Wray : If that is so, further steps should be taken.

Sergeant ; I intend to take further action, because she was certainly scandalised in the eyes of the public.

Mr M’Kittrick : The whole cause of this, your Worships Sergeant : Yesterday the constable and I had occasion to visit the hotel on special duty, and Mr M’Kittrick came in very excitedly and challenged us, saying “ How dare you come into my promises without permission ?” We had got the permission of Mrs M’Kittrick. He said he did not care a d—n for us or anybody else. He was more like a madman than anything else. Constable Crozier said : About 10 15 on Sunday evening I heard a noise in the hotel. I heard a man singing out “ Let me go.” Then Mr H. Chadwick burst out of the door without his hat. I went in, and M’Kittrick was in the hall, and Mr Neil had his handkerchief and his hand to his face. Mr M’Kittrick was very excited. Some people were standing outside hearing the row. I asked Mr McKittrick, as it was Sunday evening, to remain quiet. His reply was that a lot of loafers had been living on him for months—colonial brats, and he could wallop the whole of them. He said it was enough to make a man wild* A few minutes after I saw a young woman coming out. She said he had told her to leave.

Mr M’Kittrick : Good occasion. I have proof to prove it. I refer to Dr Croft there, who has been a boarder in my house since I opened it. The whole cause of the sergeant’s grievance is about the cellar. On Sunday evening a young man who had been boarding with me and left without paying was in the house. I found him in the door of this young woman’s bedroom, I spoke to him, and said I could not stand this, that I would have no low people in my place, and he must clear out. He gave me a lot of cheek, and I put him out. Neil took his part, and I went for him too.

Sergt. : It is a great shame and pity for him to make a statement with regard to one young man being in the hotel on Sunday evening. It is touching the young lady’s character. It can be proved the young man bad not been at the top of the stairs. Mr M’Kittrick : lam agreeable to find the proof. Mr Wray : It is a pity this was mentioned at all. The Court will refuse the application for extension. ANOTHER APPLICATION. Mr Hamerton applied for an extension of hours on behalf of Mr Haywood, Albion Hotel. Mr Wray ; The Court is not inclined grant any of these applications. . Mr II a'merton urged that this has peculiar ' ms as a house for the late coach.

Dr Croft: The coach is always in before half-past nine. Mr Hamerton : Travellers can get at Wanganui what they are not allowed to have here. They can there play billiards till 12 o’clock.

Dr Croft: Only jmung men play billiards after ten o’clock. Steady men ought to go to bed at that time. Mr Wray : People staying in the house need not go to bed at ten o’clock. Mr Hamerton : But there is nothing for them to do—no amusements.

Mr Wray : The new licensing courts will have an opportunity of going into all these matters. We have gone on in this way for some years. Mr Hamerton : I ask for extension of hours for the billiard room in particular. To close it at ten o’clock is very harsh on travellers. Dr Croft: Billiard rooms after 10 o’clock are only frequented by young men who would be better in bed. Mr Wray : The Court will not grant extension in this case. OTAKEHO. License granted to Win. Sutton for new hotel at Otakeho, on house being completed in a few days. Sergt. Cahill said it is 'one of the best houses for a road-side place. WAVEELEY. Transfer from John Walters, Waverley Hotel, to Wm. Jackson, applied for. Applicant had not been given notice in time. Application to be made toR.M. for temporary license. Court adjourned.