From the Woolwich Gazette, 26 August 1892.

Mr. Pook appeared for Mr. Neale, the applicant for the licence for the "Princess Royal," St. Paul's, Deptford been fined 20s. and 10s. costs at Greenwich Police Court, on February 25th, for assaulting a man.

Mr. Pook said the applicant was in possession, and was virtually granted the transfer at the last sessions on a certificate of good character from the police, but the case was adjourned for legal proof of tenancy. In the interim he was called upon to quell a disturbance in the house, with the result of a summons and a small penalty. He could call evidence to prove that the applicant was in no way to blame.

Captain Sheasby:- We cannot go behind the decision of the Police Magistrate, and the question for us is whether a man convicted of assault should hold the licence.

Mr. Pook:- Surely you will not deprive a man of his living for such a trifle?

Captain Sheasby:- The fault is not ours, but his.

Mr. H. M. Gordon dissented from this view, and thought they should have some sympathy for a man who had suffered in his zeal for preserving good order in his house.

The Bench consulting and the Chairman announced that the transfer would not be granted.

From the Woolwich Gazette, 16 February 1894.

Blackheath Petty sessions. Transfer of licences.

Several applications were adjourned for a month, the reason in nearly every case being non compliance with the rule which requires previous evidence of a yearly tenancy to be given to the clerk. In one instance, Mr. Pook, solicitor pleaded that the delay had been unavoidable and asked to have the transfer granted subject to the production of the agreement within 24-hours, but the Bench decided to uphold their rule.

The Adjourned cases were those of the "Princess Royal," St. Paul, Deptford; the "Crown," Lee; the "Fort," Woolwich; and the "Duke of Cambridge," Lewisham. The other transfers were granted.