LICENSING MEETINGS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5043, 5 June 1895, Page 2

LICENSING MEETINGS.

% Teleiimpli.-I'im Assochdm. Auckland, Tuesday. At the Annual Licensing Meeting of the City of Auckland, all licenses woio renowed.

With reference to the Occidental Hotel, the police reportod that a complaint of gambling bad been made to them. The house was much used by betting men, Sergeant Gamblo said ho had made enquiries, and the complaint could not be sustaiiicd. He ineroly mentioned it to the Committee for what it was woi th. Otherwiso, there was not the slightest cause for complaint. Mr Norllicrofl, S.M., thought that book-makers had as much tight to drink as any other class of people. The publiebouses were open lo all. Tho application for renewal was granted.

At tho meeting of the Parncll Licensing Committee, James Stewart nskod for permission for hotelkeopcrs to extinguish their lights when the hotels were closed at 10 o'clock. _ MrNorthcroftsaid: "Jly opinion is, that it is illegal to grant such a, concession; wo are bound by statutes. I It is not for us to vary the law. If we wish to do that, we must go to Wellington." There was, ho continued, no getting away from the Act, which said that lamps should be kopt alight from sunset to sunrise, unless the Committee weie satisfied that the street was already sufficiently well lighted. With tho exception of Jlr Savage, the Committee were in favour of granting the permission asked, which was accordingly gi fen . Mr Northcroft: Unless we are going to cany outthe law wo should not bo hero. We might just as well vary any other lawifwecan do this. The polico tell us the lights are put out at a certain time, and yet the committee say, "We are satisfied the streets are sufficiently lighted," I supposo it must bo granted as the, majority says so; but I may tell you it is not law. Wakganiji, Tuesday. _ At tho Licensing Committo meeting to-day, all applications for extension to 11 p.m. wero refused, but all the renewals were granted. The closing hour for the district is 10 p.m. Pawierstox North, Tuesday. All the existing licenses were : renewed at Palmerston North with : the exception of those of the, Albion \ Hotel and Star Hotel, adjourned for : one week, the police report being ' unsatisfactory,