PUBLICAN'S LICENSES.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1135, 23 December 1873, Page 4

PUBLICAN'S LICENSES.

TjIE issue or renewal of licenses under existing Provincial ordinances has somewhat perplexed the autliorities in various parts of New Zealand, because of the impending changes to be brought about by the operation of the new Licensing Act, coming into operation at the commencement of the ensuing year. In Otago the subject has been very fully discussed in Court, and commented on by the Press, but %vith no other effect than to render confusion worse confounded. At last the Colonial Secretary was referred to and he gave this reply to the Superintendent of Otago : —"The necessary steps are being taken to bring the Licensing Act of 1873 into operation, so that licenses may be issued in accordance wi.h its provisions (section 13 and subsequent clauses) for the year commencing on the first July" proximo. In the meantime any licenses that expire before the 30th June proximo may be renewed under the local Ordinance, with the understanding that licensees must take the necessary steps to obtain licenses under the new Act, at the proper time in March next, and that a proportionate deduction from the fee for the new license will be made for the unexpired term of any license that may be required to be issued under existing circumstances." Upon these terms it may be presumed renewals will be granted throughout the various provinces, but it does not follow that any new licenses will be granted previous to the new Act coming in force.