NEW LICENSING ACT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 255, 29 October 1901, Page 2

NEW LICENSING ACT.

TO THB EDITOB. Sir,—Through the faulty framing of the present licensing law, and the lock of a committee being ekcted, we have had another license forced upon us, and it would be well to watch any amendments. Allow me to point out what would be a very undesirable alteration as purposed in the Bill now before the House. Clause 4, re endorsements: j" The endorsement shall lapse in twelve months if a second conviction has not been recorded on the license within that period." Where would be the use of endorsing a li jensa if it can be whitewashed in that manner ? Under the present law the license must have three endorsements to close the house, although this has never happened ; each endorsement detracts from the value of thfe liceose. This makes both tenant and; owner much more careful to avoid bein» brought up before the Court or Licensing Bench for breaches of the law. The result; is, that the hotels are much better kept than they ueed to bo; but if a liceose could be white-washed every twelve months the trade would have little to deter them from committing breaches of the law. Again, clause 13, tourist licenses: For one I object to the power of granting a license being taken out ot the bands of tbe people and putting it into those of the Colonial Secretary. Lit us suppose a case. Someone applies for a license for the Mountain House; the Isame is granted. Now, Sir, the Mountain House is usually occupied by ladies and gentlemen who resort there for rest and health. Such are not to be consulted, nor the electors; but the place can ba turned into a drink shop, because someone thinks there would be a chance of making money out of the sale of liquor. I" predict it would soon make the place very unpopular for tbe class of people who seek quietness and pleasure. The elect ois should at least have the power to svy whether we should, or should no*, have any new licenses granted. The granting of tourists' licenses would simply be another mode of forcing same on tho electors without their being consulted. Thanking you in anticipation.— Yours, etc. Electok.