From the Kent and Sussex Courier, 2 October, 1874.

Mr. Thomas Fry applied for a certificate to sell beer off the premises at No. 15, Victoria Road.

Mr. W. C. Cripps, solicitor, opposed.

The application was adjourned from the annual licensing meeting for evidence respecting the amount of the rating.

Mr. Rufus Stevenson produced the Poors' Rate book, from which it appeared that the premises were rated at £16 per annum.

Mr. Cripps subjected the applicant to a severe cross-examination, with a view of showing that he did not occupy the premises at the date mentioned in the notice he had given of his intention to apply for the licence, but the witness swore positively that he went to reside at the house on the 31st of July, some days prior to the date of the notice.

Mr. Cripps said he imposed on the ground that the applicant has not been in the house sufficiently long, but as he swore that he had been there from 31st of July he could not carry the matter further.

A certificate of character from Mr. G. Mansfield, of Broadwater Down, having been handed in, the Bench granted the application.