CHARLESTON NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 250, 20 May 1868, Page 2

CHARLESTON NEWS.

On Monday afternoon, Mr Broad, R.M., received a deputation from the Licensed Victuallers' Association. The deputation was introduced by Mr Harry Kennedy, who said their object in waiting upon his Worship was to ascertain if it was possible to put a stop to the practice of publicans' licenses being granted to single women. His Worship said he would willingly assist them if he could, but he was there to administer the law according to the facts which were brought before hiin. He was not aware of any licenses having been granted to single women ; and in regard to the granting of publicans' licenses he usually referred to the police for information. From some remarks made by Mr Kennedy, he inferred there was an Association formed, in which case the best way would be for the Association to bring under the notice of the Bench any cases which involved a breach of the law and an infringement of their rights. Under the new Act direct power was given to Magistrates to cancel licenses. Considering the. high fees paid by licensed victuallers, he thought it was the duty of government to afford them every just protection. He would advise the Association to employ some one to get information as to the applications that Were made, so that they might be ready to make objection when the case came on for hearing. If the licensed victuallers, as an associated body, made any objection to an application he would be quite prepared to give attention to it, but at present he could only rely upon the pplice to prevent his granting licenses to objectionable persons. Mr Kennedy remarked that it was well known many holders of licenses did not reside on the premises, but merely lent their names. His Worship said in such cases information could be laid against the parties under the Act, which did not allow of more than seven days' absence. He saw that under the new Act the clause relating to granting licenses to single Women was struck out gether.

Mr Kennedy said individuals did not care about laying informations in matters of that kind, and that he thought it would be more in place if the police would do so. The Magistrate said he would instruct the sergeant of police to render the Association every assistance where required.

After an expression of thanks the deputation withdrew.