THE MASTERTON LICENSING COMMITTEE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5200, 6 December 1895, Page 3

THE MASTERTON LICENSING COMMITTEE.

MR, DANIELL ASKS A FEW

QUESTIONS.

IS GAMBLING PREVALENT?

Margaret MoKenzio applied for a permanent transfer from Goorgo Dennis of the Royal Hotel, Masterton. Mr Runny appeared for applicant.

Margaret McKenzio, on oath, stated that all the requirements of the Act had been complied with.

Mr Daniell said ho wished to ask the police a few questions. Sergeant McArdlo weni into tho box and was sworn.

Mr Dauiell, " Aro you awaro that porsonsobtaiu drink at cortain hotels in Masterton during prohibited hours ?"

Serjeant McArdlo, " It is not done to my knowlcdgo." ' Mr Daniell said persons certainly did obtain drink after prohibited hours.

Sergeant McArdle said ho was aware that persons got drink and carried it away for use in prohibited hours,

Mr .Daniell: " Are you aware that breaches of the Act have taken placo in Masterton ?"

Sergeant McArdle: "I havo not detected any. Tho hotels appear well conducted."

Mr Daniell: " Have you visited the Royal Hotel at any time after hoars ?"

Tho Sergeant: " Yes, and found it closed."

Mr Daniell: "Arc yon awaro that before the present occupancy of tho present licensee young men in numbers went thero to gamble ?" The Sergeant: " 1 heard that such was the case but both the young men and tho licenseo denied the statement."

Mr Daniell: " Were yon on very friendly tonus with the former licensee of the -Royal Hotel ?"

The Sergeant: "Not mora than with anyono else." Mr JJaniell: " Kcertain\oung men siiiit that you were aware that they were breaking the law and even took drink yourself during prohibited hours, would you deny it The Sergeant: "1 would. And 1 defy you or any liotclkeoper or any other poison to say that I took drink during prohibited hours or after eleven o'elock—or even ten o'eloek for that matter." Mr Daniel! said lie had been asked to bring the mat ter forward as it was freely stated that gambling was being carried on by young men at certain hotels, and that it was encouraged by certain hotel-keepers, In reply to the Chairman, Mr Daniell said ho was not able to bring forward the young men from whom he obtained his information, at present. He had introduced the matter, because ho thought it the Committee's duty to endeavour to protect their young men, and to see the Act was properly administered. He had personally seen drunken men during prohibited hours, and in broad daylight. These men must obtain their liquor from somewhere. As a member of the Committee, lie was prepared to back up the Police in canying out their duties. The S.M. said Mr Daniell could move a resolution at the conclusion of the meeting, dealing with the matter to which he hud drawn attention. The subject then dropped.