AUCKLAND LICENSING BENCH.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9461, 2 June 1909, Page 5

AUCKLAND LICENSING BENCH.

THE REDUCTION QUESTION. Per Press Association. Auckland, June 1. When the first application for a license came before Auckland Oity Licencing Committee to-day the chairman (Mr Outten, S.M.’), said that the committee had decided to hear all applications for licenses and then decide which should be renewed after hearing all the evidence. Mr O, Nicholson, solicitor for several' licensees, said that meant calling evidence for every hotel. The practice hitherto in districts where reduction was carried was for the Bench to intimate the number of houses it proposed to close; also those to which it was prepared to grant a renewal. Mr Outten said the committee had the reports of the police bn accommodation and the conduct of the hotels and if the licensees were not prepared to apcept these they could call evidence.

Mr Nicholson pointed oat that one licensee feeling sure of renewal might n6t call evidence, while another less favourably situated might, with the result that thp latter might secure a renewal.