MASTERTON LICENSING COMMITTEE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5201, 7 December 1895, Page 3

MASTERTON LICENSING COMMITTEE.

QUARTERLY MEETING,

On resuming after we went to press yesterday afternoon, Mr Pownall inado application for extension I for Ekotalinna Hotels Only. | The Chairman said the results of one case would probably influence tho whole.

F. D. Polling, licensee of tlio Ekotalinna Hotel, said ho considered an extonsion of time decidedly necessary. It would be for the convenience of the public ns the coaches did not arrive until 9,80 or ten o'clock, Tho Chairman said the application was not for tho convonienco of tho public, but for tho purposes of the sale of liquor. By Sergt. McCardleThe coach does not always arrive at 10 o'clock at night. It is oidy optional on tho publican whether he serves refreshments after 10 o'clock. Christmas timo in Eketaliuna cxtonds ovor a period of six months. Did not know of any complaints that tho hotels wero closed too early at niglit, . Constable Gray (Eketahuna) gave evidence that ho was not aware that Christmas extended oyer a period of six months. The coaches arrived about a quarter to nine at night, Was not aware that coaches arrived l as late as ten o'clock, No complaint had over been made to him. To the Chairman: It would not bo in the interests or benefit of tlio public that hotels in Eketahmui should keep open till eleven o'clock. Had no relation in tho hotel business at Eketahuna. To Mr Pownall: Did not think it would be any convenience whatever for hotels to romain open after the time at present fixed.

Tlio Chairman said the Committee had to decide with the evidence before them, whether it would be for the public convenience, that the application be granted. Mr Bright said it should not bo a matter of public convenience, If the pnblicaus wero willing to pay for 11 o'clock licenses, they should be granted. George Spackman said he was resident in Masterton, but was travelling largely through the Bush. Had arrived in Pahiatua, as lato as eleven o'clock, but could not get a bed after the hotels had closed, if he had not previously booked one.

To Sergt, McAvdlo: Had not been in Eketahuna for the last six months. Arrived later than 10 o'clock about onco a month. Could : not always find a bed at boardingbouses. Mr Daniell proposed that the application be not granted. The whole of the applications were subsequently granted, five voting for and three against. The noes were —The Chairman and Messrs Daniell and Chamberlain. This being all the business the Committee adjourned.