STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) (All communications, letters, etc, left with Mr H. J. Hopliins, bookseller, ftlll receive prompt attention.) LICENSING COMMITTEE. June 6. The annual meeting of the Stratford Licensing Committee was held on Thursday. Mr. J. W. Poynlon, S.M., presided, and the members of the committete present were: Messrs W. A. McCuteban, C. D- Sole, W. Morrison, J. 'B. Richards, and W. flathaway. Mr. ]>. J. Malone's application for a wholesale license was granted. F Whittle (Mr. T. King) applied for a renewal of his license for the Stratford Hotel. —It was stated that the repairs required by the police had been carried out, and the application was granted. j ■k An application by C. H. Arden (Mr. Stanford) for a renewal of the license for the Empire Hotel was granted. The police stated that they bad no complaints to make, and the chairman remarked that those who conducted their hotels properly deserved to be commended.

Mr. Stanford appeared ; in support of an application by W. H. Parker for a license for the Toko Junction Hotel. The reports were satisfactory and the application was granted. Caroline Rothery (Mr. Coleman) applied for a license in respect to the Wliangamomona Hotel.—Granted on condition that some slight repairs recommended by the health officer are carired out W. P. Kirkwood was granted a renewal of his license for the County Hotel, and W. J. Kirkwood's application f<v a renewal of the license for the Club Hotel was also granted. Mr. Coleman appeared for applicants. Catherine EmvTight applied for a renewal of the license for the Mount Egmont Hotel, Midhirst. A report by the district health officer stated that certain repairs and drainage work were necessary. The police report stated that there had been many complaints in connection with the conduct of the hotel, and there had bcim convictions for breaches of the law during the year. Mr. Coleman, who appeared for applicant, said tlie charges arose out of one set of facts. The ehairmart said it was not the number of convictions, but the allegations regarding the conduct of the hotel that concerned the committee. The hotel had been badly conducted for some time and the police were linable to get anv convictions Mr- Coleman said the conduct of the hotel had greatly improved. Replying to the chairman, Mr. Coleman stated that Tepairs were in hand. Hie chairman said that the repairs must be carried out. Hotel lessees had a fairly secure tenure now. The public had ajt least the right to fair play, and it wa's the committee's duty to protect th"rn The application would be adjourned for three months, and if the repairs were not then completed the application would be refused. An application was made by Cyril P. Theobald for a publican's license in respect to the Commercial Hotel. The police report stated that the conduct of the hotel had not been very satisfactory, and a good deal of unlawful trading had been carried on. The licensee appeared to have been very careless in the management. Three men had been convicted and fined for being on the premises on Sunday, April 27. These men, he believed, had been assisted to a very great extent to a breach of the law by a boarder who was found in the room with them. Sunday and afterhours trading had been carried on through the stables, the connection of which with the licensed premises should be cut off.

Mr. Coleman said that on the mornins of the offence referred to the licensee, a returned soldier, who had been badly wounded, was resting in bed and did not know the men had entered the hotel. The chairman said the communication with the back of the hotel through the i'siMes va« a serious matter, which needed inquiring into. Mr. Coleman said the licensee intended to take over the stables and run them himself. Most of the hotels in Stratford were similarly situated in having back communication with the stables. The chairman said the matter should be dealt with stringently. Mr. Coleman asked whether the committee would be satisfied if the present lease was cancelled and other arrangements made. Sergeant Dale said the police would only be satisfied with the cutting off of jthe premises. The application was adjourned for three months to enabhW.he licensee to comply with the wishes of the police. James O'Mailey (Mr. J. E, L. Stanford) applied for a license for the Tariki HotelThe police reported the hotel to be in a very dirty condition and in need of a cleanup. Painting, papering, and repairing were necessary. Mr. Stanford said the owner of the hotel lived at Woodville and was taking steps to have the repairs carried out. There was a difficulty in procuring labor. A septic tank was being put in for drainage. The application was adjourned for three months, the chairman intimating that if things were not put in proper order the license would be refused. Some of the committee, he said, were of the opinion that the applicant was not suited to hotel-keeping. Mr. Stanford said that nothing had been put forward against the conduct of the hotel. GENERAL,

A well-attended social was lipid in the Church of England Parish Hall, Stratford, on Thursday evening, when a pleasant time was spent by all present. In a card tournament the prizes were won by Mrs. Orant and Mr. Caryer. The hoobies' prizes were awarded to Mrs. Sole and Mr. Botcher. Songs were sung by Misses Eogers and Gladys Black and Mr. Jaiuieson. For the dance iiat followed music was played by Rogers' orchestra, Mrs. Black and Mr. and Mrs. Instill. A dainty supper provided by the ladies was served. The Eev. Howard took an opportunity during the evening to welcome all strangers, and made reference to the return of Major Hine, M.P, whom they were all glad to have with them again. The Egmont Club has been approached by some of the ladies of Stratford with a view to obtaining permission for ladies to use the club-rooms for a couple of hours on one afternoon of each week. Apparently they were much, impressed with the rooms and the means adopted for their amusement when there as guests on Tuesday night, and billiards, which to some of them was probably o,n ; te fl novelty, they found a most interesting game. It is understood that the wish to use the rooms originated in a ''desire to learn how to handle the. cue.

As far as can bo gathered the club members view the application with favor, and for certain days it can be granted with little or no inconvenience to the men. A dance was held by the Stratford Fire Brigade in the Town Hall on Thursday night and was fairly well attended. Music was provided by Mr*. Ilianchi's orchestra, extras being played by Miss Moon and Mrs. Mcßeth. The duties of M's.C. were carried out by Messrs Croft «nd Gray. A good supper was served. The dance, which was the second of a series, was in aid of the funds for the Taranaki Fire Brigades' demonstration, to be held in Stratford next month. Financially it was not a great success, the profits not exceeding £3 or £4. The brigade have now in hand for the demonstration fund over £3O, but at least £IOO is required. Donations from well wishers will be welcomed. Major J. B. Hine, M.P., accompanied by his son-in-law, Major Murray Urquhart, M.C., arrived at Stratford by the mail train on Thursday evening and were welcomed by the deputy-mayor (Mr. Campbell Jackson) .and a large crowd of citizens. Hearty cheers were given for both officers. At Pembroke Road schoolroom on Wednesday evening Sergeant A. Cameron and Private A. Auldridge were entertained at a welcome, home social. Each was presented by Mr. H. Harrison, on behalf of the residents, with an illuminated address. Songs and other items were given and an enjoyable dance was held. T. Lamason draws attention to the preliminary notice of a sale on account 1 of Mr. F. Pcdersen, T. Lamason's usual sale is advertised* for this afternoon. Bargain fortnight at James', Saturday 17 to Saturday 31. Sale discounts on all fancy goods, jewellery, brooches, pendants, bangles, etc. Special sixpennytable. Special half price table. Discounts on ladies' hand bags. A fortnight's sale of fancy goods and toys. Please come and see. Charles E. James, Broadway, Stratford*