SOUTH CANTERBURY LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2763, 31 January 1882, Page 3

SOUTH CANTERBURY LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ ASSOCIATION.

A deputation from the South Canterbury Licensed Victuallers Association, consisting of Messrs J, Parsons (President of the Association), J. Meikle, and D. McGuinness. waited upon the Hon. Minister of Justice to-day with reference to a question of importance to the trade, arising out of the following circumstances. On Saturday last the police authorities gave notice to the Licensed Victuallers in the district that the clauses of the new Licensing Act requiring houses to bo closed at 10 p.m, would be enforced. The law permits of licenses being granted allowing of houses being kept open till midnight, but-Licensing Committees not having yet been elected—nor can they be for some little time-licensees cannot take advantage of this provision. _ . The deputation was introduced by Mr Turnbull, M.H-R- for Timaru, and Mr Parsons laid the views of the deputation before the Hon, Minister. They were desirous of complying with the law and anxious to avoid staining their licenses by the recording upon them of convictions for breach of the law, but they thought they could fairly claim, until proper provision was made for, other arrangements being made.to be allowed to cary on their business in accordance with the existing licenses, which would not expire till the end of June. They would he quite willing to pay the extra fee for twelve o’clock licenses, hut until Committees were elected these could not be obtained. Mr Rolleston replied that be was much pleased that the matter had been brought before him, and he recognised the justiae of ther representations. The ‘ matter was, however, outside his department, but ho would wire at once to the Colonial Secretary, the Hon, Mr Dick, giving him full particulars of the case, and would consult with him personally when he arrived at Wellington. He would do his best to prevent any injustice being inflicted. The deputation then thanked Mr Bolleston and withdrew.