Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 03 September 1896.

Victory over strong opposition.

Mr W. W. Haywood, for Messrs Leney and Co, brewers, Wateringbury, applied for the provisional removal of the full licence of the "Lion and Star," High Street, Strood, to the "Fairfield," Stone Horse Road, in the outskirts of the parish.

Mr George Robinson, solicitor, on behalf of Mr Stephen Rowing, the holder of the licence, supported the application, and called the overseers and several of the parish trustees to prove that the removal of this licence will result in a great public improvement being carried out in the High Street.

Mr Steadman opposed on behalf of the owner of the "Spotted Cow," Mr Boucher for Messrs Meux and Co,; Mr Hearn for the owners of the "Victoria Inn," Mr Winch for the owners of the "Weston Arms," and Mr Goldie for the tenants of several licence houses in the vicinity of the "Fairfield." Petitions from the nonconformist ministers and the Temperance party represented against the application. The Magistrates, after having retired to consult, decided to grant the removal of the licence.