LICENSE FEES.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1557, 27 June 1882, Page 2

LICENSE FEES.

ALKTTEBof whieU the subjoined is a copy is in course of signature prior to its being forwarded to the member for Wai pa. When signed by the hotelkeepera it is proposed to obtain an expression of approval thereto from the members of both licensing districts Rangiaohia and Mangapiko. ToF. A. Whitaker, Esq., M.H.R., Wellington. "The Licensing Act." Sir, — With a view to the amendment of the above act we wish respectfully to submit to you the following facts, viz. :—: — (1). That the undersigned are the whole of the hotelkeepprs lesidcnt within the Rangiaohia and Mangapiko districts respectively. (2). Thatthefeenowpayablefor a publican's license in a country district is> £20. (3). That the fee lieivtofoie payable in the abo\ c districts has vaiied ftom £15 to £20, accoiding to the situation of thi» hotel and the amount of business done therein. (4). That as at present constituted the licensing committees are unable, as heretofore, to reduce such licensing fee. (5). That the licensing committees possess a thorough knowledge of the amount of business transacted at each hotel, and that they are well qualified to exercise a discretionary power with regaicl to the amount of the licensing fee to be imposed in eacli case (6). That it is evident that the fixed sum of £25 cannot be applied alike to all the holders of country licenses without — m the less populated localities — causing very great hardship. In view of the above we wish you, as our member, to take such steps as will result in pow er being given to the various licensing committees to decide the amount of licensing teo payable in each case, and that wheio they consider that the fee already paid is in excess of what is fair and reasonable, that they should have power to order a return of a portion thereof.