HOKITIKA JUSTICE.

West Coast Times, Issue 87, 23 December 1865, Page 3

HOKITIKA JUSTICE.

TO THB EDITOn OP TUB WEST COAST TIMEB. Sir,— l am ono of tho unfortunate publicans who was mulcted a fow days since in tho sum of LI M, for the dreadful orimo of kooping tho door opon a fow minutes afto'r 11 p.m. (and in this onso not a'person in tho bar). Sir, tho fact is, the powers thnt bo, could not adopt ft botlor medium to onoourjigo sly-giog soiling tlmn tho' vecont dooisions givon by tho Uonch. Stoics, and other establishments of questionable reputo, can keop their placea of business opon all night if they 'tlrinic proper t Wit if tho licensed publican's premises, are found open a fow minutes aftor tho prescribed timo ho i» pounced upon aa a folon, , Tho arbitrary conduct of tho authorities o£ thiH tottn luis hoi ti parallel 'in tho Australian colonies, It .would not bo tolerated in any now colony but this. Howevor tho holdorp o£ publicans' licenses havo lliomcolvcs to blame for il. . In conclusion, I can cito two Instances that e'aiho under my notioo last week, which will show tlio folly of tho Into stringent men • euros, if anything further woro wanting. Tho portions 'referred to havo boon fitting up houses with a viow of taking a liconse, Jmt after witnessing tho Into Bl ; k'p praoticoi they oanno' sco the foico of paying Ij3o for a, doubtful privilege, and tboy linve losolvcil to 801 l and chance it. I believe thM many of lur> prosont publicans will follow tho above c.xumplo when their licensds expire I am, sir, yours ,fo'uly, ■ Otu'i ov Tin; VicriM.i.

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