Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Advertiser, Friday 16 February 1906.

SEVENOAKS BREWSTER SESSIONS.

A FULL DAY'S SITTING.

NEW APPLICATIONS REFUSED.

SEVEN LICENSES OBJECTED TO.

By far the longest sitting of the Magistrates at the Sevenoaks Police Court, for a considerable time past, took place last Friday, when the Annual Licensing Sessions for the Sevenoaks Petty Sessional Division were hold. The sitting commenced at 11 a.m., and did not conclude until six in the evening, and throughout the day the Court was crowded. During the morning the following Magistrates were present:- Lieut.-Col. J. M. Rogers, D.S.O. (in the chair), Lieut.-Col G. W. Anson, the Rev. J. E. Campbell-Colquhoun, Lieut.-Col. C. A. M. Warde, Major W. L. Wreford, P. F. Battiscombe, A. T. Bevan, W. S. J. Crosbie-Hill, Henry Swaffield, and A. Willis. Esqs.

The Superintendent's Report.

Superintendent A. Taylor then presented his annual report as follows:— My Lords and Gentlemen I have the honour to submit to you the annual report, relative to the licensed houses for The sale of intoxicating liquors together with a return showing the number of licensed houses, the proportion of such houses to the population and The number of cases of drunkenness within the Petty Sessional District during The year. The whole of the licensed houses have been fairly well conducted with one exception, i.e., the "Compasses" beerhouse, Hartelands, Sevenoaks, the licensee of the house, Thomas Francis A. Billings, having on the 8th December, 1905, been convicted for permitting drunkenness and fined £2 and costs £1 6s. 6d. I have given him notice of objection to the renewal of his licence on the grounds of the conviction, that his premises are not convenient for the police supervision and non-requirement of the licensee in the district. Six licensees have been given notice to attend the licensing meeting, on the grounds of non requirement in the district, and 17 notices have been served on tenants on structural grounds, respecting back entrances, &c. I have reported notices from Mr. H. Golding, of the Brewery, Otford-road, Sevenoaks, and from Thomas Newton, as secretary to Bushell, Watkins and Smith, Ltd., Westerham, of their intention to apply for off beer licenses for their respective breweries. I have received instructions to oppose these applications. The number of persons proceeded against for drunkenness are as follows:— Residents 28, convicted 26; non-residents 173, convicted 167; for the year 1905 (ending January), residents 19, converted 19; non-residents 160, convicted 156. - I am, my Lords and Gentleman, your obedient servant, A. Taylor, Sevenoaks Petty Sessional District.

The Rev. C. H. Hodgman (as Chairman of the Sevenoaks United Temperance Council) said be had a petition to present.

The Clerk asked if it was in general forms.

The Rev. C. H. Hedgman replied in the affirmative.

The Chairman:- Do you wish to read this report?

The Rev. C. H. Hedgman said he believed the Magistrates had copies of it.

The Chairman:- If it is read in court it will be necessary to give it on oath.

The Rev. C. H. Hedgman said then he did not think they need read it.

The memorial, which was on behalf of the Sevenoaks United Temperance Council, was as follows:-

Your memorialists desire in the first place to express appreciation of the steps taken by the Bench to make themselves personally acquainted with licensed houses in their district, with a view of spending the compensation fund to the best interests of the public. Noting that there is again an application for a new "off" license, your memorialists would express the earnest hope that the Bench will unhesitatingly refuse each application, seeing that the granting of it would afford increased facilities for drinking in this neighbourhood; and it is acknowledged by all that such facilities are already excessive. Pursuing the same line of not increasing facilities, your memorialists would venture to suggest that, except under very special circumstances, no extension of hours should be granted."

The Chairman then said all the licences would be renewed with the exception of those objected to, and of which notice had been served. They were as follows:- Houses which have been found structurally defective:-"Holmesdale Tavern," High-street, Sevenoaks; "Camden Arms," Hartslands; "Royal Standard," Westerham (Bligh and Co.,); "Bricklayers Arms," High-street, Sevenoaks; "Rose and Crown," High-street, Sevenoaks; "Plumbers Arms," London Road, Sevenoaks; "Vine Tavern," the Vine; "Cock," Ide Hill, Sundridge; "Prince of Wales," Seal (Bushell and Co.,); "White Horse," Seal; the "Star," Brasted Chart, (Dartford Brewery Co.,); "White Horse," Sundridge; "Grasshopper," Westerham (Nalder and Collyer); "Victory," Sundridge (Fox and Sons,); "New Inn," St. John's, Ssvenoaks (Kenward and Court); the "Horns," Otford (Mrs. Trougbton). Housee which have been objected to on the grounds that they are not required:- "Railway Tavern," Rye Lane, Dunton Green; the "Rising Sun," Riverhead; the "Compasses,"” Hartsland* (Bligh); "Bricklayer's Arms," Hartslands; "Bat and Ball,"

Sevenoaks (Bushell and Co.,); "Crown Inn," Seal (Dartford Brewery Co,,); and the "Harvest Home," Sevenoaks Weald (Paige).

Mr. Golding's application.

The application of Mr. William Humphrey Golding, of the Brewery, "Bat and Ball." Sevenoaks, for an off-license, to enable him to sell in lees quantities that 4 1/2 gallons, was then considered.

Mr. Gerald F. Hobler, Barrister, appeared on behalf of Mr. Golding. Mr. Cecil H. B. Ince. Solicitor, High Street, Sevenoaks, represented the Sevenoaks United Temperance Council. Mr. Cripps appeared in the interests of the trade.

Mr. Hobler, in opening the case, said be applied on behalf of Mr. Golding of Golding's Brewery, Sevenoaks, for an off license in connection with his Brewery. The application (he said) was not in any way for the purpose of supplying beer to people who went to the Brewery, but it was in order to enable him, as a Brewer, to carry on his trade economically and conveniently. The position was, that under the present license he held, he could not sell in quantities leas than 4 1/2 gallons, and he was desirous of having an off license in order that be might be able to deliver from his Brewery to customers in the district in sealed vessels, smaller quantities. He (Mr. Golding) was willing to undertake that he would not supply in less quantities than one dozen bottles, and he was further willing to undertake that he would not supply except by delivering out by means of his drays or vans. He found that at present be suffered considerably in not having this license, which most brewers had. He had acquired recently—or comparatively recently—The "Nepicar" Brewery, at Wrotham, in the Malling Division, and had there an off-license. But Mr. Golding would find it more convenient if the deliveries could be made from his brewery at Sevenoaks, and the orders accepted here. At present if he brewed his beer at Sevenoaks, he had to send it to the "Nepicar" Brewery, and the orders had to be received and the deliveries made from that brewery. The result was that the beer brewed at Sevenoaks was sent to "Nepicar," and then re-delivered from there to people who asked for these smaller quantities. The application was solely for trade purposes in order to enable him to compete fairly. He would be prepared, if the Magistrates wished, and the licence was granted, to give up his licence which he had at "Nepicar," and thus manage his trade directly from the Sevenoaks Brewery. The undertaking he would give would be strictly adhered to. He thought that was practical in every way and nobody could have the least objection to it. Furthermore, it was not a license, if granted, which entitled him to any compensation should it be taken away, and the Magistrates had every control over it. He was now in a position to prove the notice, and he would call Mr. Golding as to the needs and requirements of his trade. It would not be increasing the licenses in the County, because if that license were granted Mr. Golding would give up the license which he now held at "Nepicar."

The Chairman said that Mr. Hoblar had stated that there would be an undertaking not to deliver smaller quantities than one dozen bottles.

Mr. Hobler said a gallon and a half, about nine bottles.

The Chairman than asked what security they would have. As far as be understood it they were not entitled to attach any conditions to an off-license. What security would the Bench have?

Mr. Hobler said the Bench were entitled to attach conditions, but subsequently told the Bench he was not prepared to give the name of the case in which this occurred. In reference to whether the undertaking were carried out or not he ventured to think that if the brewer were selling smaller quantities than was specified that was a matter that would inevitably come to the notice of the police.

Mr. G. H. Okill, of Longford, Dunton Green, then entered the witness box and proved that a copy of the application had been served on the Overssers on the 9th January. He also had served it on the Superintendent of the Police, and a copy had been affixed at the brewery, and on The door at St. John's Church. A notice had also been inserted in the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Kentish Gazette.

William Humphrey Golding the applicant, was the next witness. In answer to questions by Mr, Hobler, he said that he built the brewery at Bat and Ball in 1900. The reason he desired this off license was becauss of the great difficulty, and the great expense they had in delivering beer from Wrotham. The off license at Wrotham he acquired in connection with the "Nepicar" Brewery.

Mr. Hobler said now the result was that he (Mr. Golding) had to send his beer from Sevenoaks to the "Nepicar" Brewery, and then receive and deliver small orders from there.

Mr. Goldiag said it was a considerable expense to him, amounting to two or three hundred pounds a year. Further questioned by Mr. Hobler, witness said if he had an off license here there would be an increase in the wages of the men, and he would bring about six men from Wrotham here. He found that in his trade it hampered him because he had to send it to Wrotham and bring it here. He was further willing to undertake that he would not deliver over the counter, but that be would deliver out by the vans and drays only. If this off-license were granted he would be prepared to give up the old off-license at Wrotham.

Cross-examined by Mr. Cripps witness said he built the brewery in 1900.

Mr. Crippes:- When did you begin to carry on your business of the Nepicar Brewery?

Witness:- I cannot give the exact date.

Mr. Cripps:- When did you begin to do this business of sending out beer from Nepicar Brewery.

Mr. Golding:- In April, I think.

Mr. Cripps said as to their convenience they had heard of, he (Mr. Golding) had carried on his business at Sevenoaks from the year 1900 until 1901 without any brewery at Wrotham.

Mr. Golding said he bad applied for this license three times.

Mr. Cripps:- Will you tell me if since the Bench decided on two previous occasion to refuse this license there is any difference in matters except that you bought the brewery at Wrotham.

Mr. Golding:- Yes. I should say competition is keener.

Mr. Cripp:- Do you mean in Sevenoaks or Wrotham?

Mr. Golding:- In the whole district.

Mr. Cripps:- When is the Malling licensing day?

Mr. Golding:- On ths 13th of the present month.

Mr. Cripps:- When do you propose to give that license up (meaning the "Nepicar" license), supposing this license is confirmed?

Mr Golding said he would do it at the next meeting.

The license, said Mr. Cripps, if it was confirmed, would not come into force until next April.

Mr. Crippe said that taking that in consideration, he supposed Mr. Golding, at the next Malling Sessions, would ask for a renewal of the "Nepicar" license.

Mr. Golding:- Yes.

Questioned by Mr. Cripps as to where he took the ordors from, Mr. Golding said he took them at Wrotham.

Mr. Crippes:- How are the orders taken at Wrotham?

Mr. Hobler said he really did not know what that had to do with it.

Mr. Cripps thought it would be to a large extent relevant. Would Mr Golding kindly tell him how he took his orders.

Witness said drays from Sevenoaks would take them to Wrotham. They supplied it from Wrotham at present.

Mr. Cripps said in future where would he take the orders from if he got this license dropped at Wrotham.

Mr. Golding:- We should probably deliver them from here.

Mr. Cripps said so that he would get the inconvenience there.

Wrotham, said Mr. Golding, was not so important from a trade point of view as Sevenoaks.

Mr. Golding was then cross-questioned by Mr. Ince.

Mr. Ince:- Mr. Golding, in considering this application, you look at it solely from your personal point of view?

Witness:- Yes.

Mr. Ince said now be wanted to put a question or two to Mr. Golding as regarded the view of the general public. Did Mr. Golding suggest that since the last time he made that application last year as regarded the convenience of the general public that should lead the magistrates to grant this application.

Mr. Golding said as regarded the general condition of the district, he should say there was more beer being sent here in gallons.

Mr. Ince:- Do you suggest there is a greater demand for beer in the district?

Mr. Golding:- That I would not say.

Mr. Ince:- Do you suggest that more houses have been built in the locality?

Witness:- Yes I do. Further questioned he said there were 39 just below the Brewery belonging to to the Sevenoaks Artisan's Dwellings Company, and there were a number of other small houses about the place.

The ground on which they opposed this application, said Mr. Ince, was that it was not required by the public interest, and that it would be against the public interest if this application was allowed. He asked whether Mr. Golding was aware that these houses in Moor Road, belonging to the Sevenoaks Artisans Dwellings Company, were finished in March last year.

Witness said he did not know when they were finished. He did not know exactly.

Mr. Ince said now did he suggest that in this particular neighbourhood where he was asking for this off-license, there were at the present moment insufficient facilities for the public to purchase alcoholic liquors.

Mr. Golding said be supplied a great number of houses there, but the beer had to go to Wrotham and come back.

Mr. Ince:- Do you suggest there are insufficient facilities for the public to purchase beer?

Mr. Golding said this did not affect these licenses in any way.

Mr. Ince asked if he was right in suggesting that Mr. Golding's objection was that he could not got facilities for selling his beer in the neighbourhood?

Witness:- I have facilities at Wrotham.

Mr. Ince:- Have you at the present moment sufficient facilities for selling your beer in this neighbourhood?

Witness:- Not from this brewery.

Golding's brewery is situated just at the north rise of the Railway Bridge?

Witness:- Yes.

Mr. Ince: Just at the south end there are two fully licensed public houses at the present moment.

Mr. Golding admitted there was the "Railway Tavern" and The "Bat and Ball," and a little further up the hill there were other houses.

Mr. Ince ssked if he was aware that most of the tenants of the Moor Road and Cramptons Road were against this application.

Witness:- No.

Beyond personally benefiting those six men—said Mr. Ince—did he think it would be a benefit to the neighbourhood?

Yes.

The Chairman:- Well, he is not a philanthropist. (Laughter).

Mr. Hobler asked Mr. Golding if he was able on previous occasions, when this license was not granted.

Mr. Golding:- No. That was an alteration in circumstances. He simply desired to deliver orders from Sevenoaks instead of having to send the beer to Wrotham, and then re-deliver it.

Mr. Crosby-Hill (a magistrate) asked what was the minimum quantity from Wrotham?

Mr. Golding:- Any quantity.

Mr. Crosbie-Hill:- You could send single bottles if you like.

Mr. Hobler:- Yes, but now we want eight bottles.

Witness said if they did away with the "Nepicar" license the men employed there would have increased employment in this district.

Mr. Cripps (who appeared for local publicans), and Mr. Incse (on behalf of the Sevenoaks United Temperance Council), then addressed the Bench against the license.

The Rev. C. H. Hedgman, in the witness box, said the Free Church Council was comprised of the local clergy and The Free Church Ministers, as well as several layman. They were strongly of opinionn that this license was not required in the interests of the neighbourhood, and that it would be hostile to the public.

Mr. Ince:- What is your information as regards the present facilities?

The Rev. C. H. Hodgman:- They are far more than ample.

Cross-examined by Mr. Hobler, witness said he knew what that application was.

Mr. Hoblar:- Do you think that is objectionable.

The Rev. C. H. Hedgman thought the beer was less likely to be delivered in this district if the brewer had not those aided facilities for delivering it here.

Mr. Hobler asked if he thought those people who now went to the public houses would go to the brewery if this license was granted.

They all knew, said the Rev. C. H. Hedgman, that the trade was pushed according to the facilities for pushing it.

The Rev. H. Percy Thompson. Vicar of Kippington, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Sevenoaks United Temperance Council, was the next witness, and he agreed with what the Rev. C. H. Hedgman had said.

The Chairman, in giving the Magistrate's decision, said the bench did not think that a case has been out for granting this new licence, so it would be refused.

OBJECTIONS ON STRUCTURAL GROUNDS.

"The Holmesdale Tavern."

The first house objected to on grounds of the premises being structurally defective, was that of the "Holmesdale Tavern" beerhouse, High-street, Sevenoaks, occupied by Mr. James Smith.

Supt. Taylor said notice had been given for the tenant to appear on the grounds of structural alterations required for the purposes of proper police supervision. If they looked at the back of the house the Bench would see there were two openings which led up to the brewery and some cottages, and in consequence of this the police could not possibly have any supervision whatever. He (the Superintendent) had inspected the premises that (Friday) morning, and the owner was prepared to submit plans for alterations, which would do away with this and would give every facility for police observations.

Mr. Thomas Jordan Durrant, manager to Mr. John S. Bligh, then submitted plans of new alterations, which were approved, and the license was renewed accordingly.

"Camden Arms," Hartslands.

With regard to the "Camden Arms" beerhouse, Quaker's Hall, Superintendent Taylor said there was a cottage enclosed on the premises, in which the tenant had a right to go through the wash house to the licensed house, and it was very inconvenient for polioe supervision. Mr. Durrant was prepared to submit something to their Worships.

Ths license was renewed on Mr. Durrant submitting plans.

"Royal Standard" Beerhouse, Westerham.

There was a back way to two small shops, said Supt. Taylor, adjoining this beerhouss, which all led into the same back yard, and also at the right of those shops there was an alley which came out and went into this yard, so that the police had no supervision over the premisoe whatever, as regarded the back entrance.

Plans for a brick wall six feet high separating the respective premises were submitted.

Mr. Durrant pointed out that some provision would still have to be made for entrance to the cellar in the yard, as there were no means of entry to the cellar from the front.

Subject to the alterations being carried out, the license was renewed.

"Bricklayer's Arms,” High Street, Sevenoaks.

The next structural objection was to the "Bricklayer's Arms," High-street, Sevenoaks, thes property of Messrs. Bushell, Watkins and Smith, Westerham. Mr. C. E. Warner, of Tonbridge, appeared for the Supt. Taylor said in this case there was a cottage in the yard, which had a right of way through the side entrance. Practically the police had no supervision whatever over this house. He did not know the name of the man who lived in this cottage.

Mr. Warner said as far as he knew there had been no complaint about this place.

Supt. Taylor remarked that the license had been opposed previously.

Mr. Warner alleged that there had been no complaint to the tenant.

Supt. Taylor said he might mention that at the West Kent Sessions his special attention was drawn to this particular house.

Mr. Warner said the whole point of the Superintendent's objection was, as far as he could understand with regard to Police supervision.

Supt. Taylor said yes. No-one could get in the back door.

Mr. Warner said he would have plans prepared for the alteration.

"Rose and Crown Hotel," Sevenoaks.

Another of Messrs. Bushell's houses. the "Rose and Crown Hotel," - tenanted by Mr. Wheeldon, was objected to on the same grounds. Supt. Taylor told the magistrates there was a side gate which led into Webbs Alley, which bad been very much used by the public going to the hotel and, of course, this prevented the Police from having any observation over that gate, unless a constable was specially told off there. He asked the magistrates to make an order that the gate be taken away and the place bricked up.

Mr. Warner said the owners would be quite prepared to give that undertaking.

The license was renewed accordingly.

"Plumbers Arms," London Road, Sevenoaks.

Mr. G. H. Judd, the tenant of the "Plumbers Arms," (Messrs. Bushell, Watkins and Smith), appeared in answer to a similar objection.

Supt. Taylor said this house was opposite the "Royal Crown Hotel," in the London Road. The back entrance led into the Shambles, and at night this place was badly lit. The public used it very much, and they used this back entrance into the beerhouse. He contended that the Police had not proper supervision over the house in consequence of that, and also he had received complaints from the peoplo residing there as to the nuisances committed in this yard.
Mr. Warner:- Is it a public yard?

Supt. Taylor said it was. They were very old wooden structures. It was the old remnant of Sevenoaks, he should think. If they visited the Shambles at night, especially on a Saturday night, they could see for themselves they could see for themselves.

The Chairman said this was a case where the neighbours had lodged objections.

Supt. Taylor pointed out that that was some two or three years ago. They objected to him personally.

The Chairman said they would adjourn this, and then the owners could make some suggestions.

Mr. Warner agreed to that, because he said he was unable to give any definite instructions.

The "Vine Tavern," The Vine.

Superintendent Taylor objected to this on the grounds that there were two cottages adjoining which had a right to the back way of the Inn, and this was, he said, all enclosed in a yard.

This house also belonged to Messrs. Bushell, Watkins and Smith, and is tenanted by Mrs. King.

Mr. Warner asked the magistrates to adjourn the case, which was granted.

The "Cock Inn." Ide Hill.

This house was objected to by Supt. Taylor, on the grounds that there was a cottage in the back yard, occupied by a man who was working at the Philippines. He understood now that they would not let it again, and so that would remove the objection. He understood that there was a guarantee to that effect.

A Magistrate:- Do they guarantee not to let cottage?

Mr. Warner pointed out that the tenant was quite willing to do that. The tenant had used this cottage as an extra bedroom.

The licence was then renewed.

"Prince of Wales," Seal.

This house the tenant of which is Mr.Wainwright, was similarly objected to.

Supt. Taylor said that part of this house was really sub-let, and the back ways were enclosed with a yard. It was part of the same house, but he should say that it was originally built with the beerhouse.

Adjourned.

"White Horse." Seal.

With regard to the "White Horse Inn," at Seal, Supt. Taylor thought some of the Magistrates had visited this house and knew what the conditions were, as regarded the back entrance.

A plan was submitted by Mr. Ward of the Dartford Brewery Company, for alterations and approved.

"The Star," Brasted.

The Superintendent said there was a home next door to the "Star" beerhouse, Brasted Chart, and both doors led out into the same backyard. As a remedy he suggested to the Magistrates that these should be bricked off.

The licence was renewed on condition that Mr. Ward made an alteration to the promises in order to give proper police supervision.

"White Horse." Sundridge.

In this case, said the Superintendent, there was a cottage adjoining on the main road, and the back door of the cottage led into tho yard of the public house.

Messrs. Nalder and Collyer's representative appeared, and said he would look into the matter.

The case was adjourned.

"Grasshopper," Westerham.

Another of Messrs. Nalder and Collywr's houses, "Grasshopper," Westerham, was also objected to.

Supt. Taylor said there were two cottages in the yard close to the public house.

The case was adjourned.

"The Victory" Beerhouse, Sundridge.

There were five old wooden cottages at the back of this houee (said Supt. Taylor). There were only two lot at the present, but he understood Messrs. Fox had given orders for these old places to be pulled down, so if they did that there would be no difficulty in the matter.

Mr. A. Anthony, representing the owners corroborated the Superintendent’s statement.

The license of this house was renewed on condition that the cottages were pulled down or not occupied.

The "New Inn," St. John's, Sevenoaks.

This house, tenanted by Mr. Thomas Mercer, was also objected to on structural grounds.

Supt. Taylor said this house was on the main road at St. John's. There was a back entrance to private property, and there were two or three ways by which people could get into the Golding Road. Anyone in the main road could not see what was taking place at the back. He had had some complaints made about this very thing, and he, in consequence, kept observation, and found that this entrance was very much used. People came with their jugs for beer, and there could not be any police supervision at all.

The Chairman took it that that entrance opened to a footpath.

Asked whether he could suggest anything about this path, the owner's (Messrs. Kenward and Court), representatives said "I can only suggest closing it."

Supt. Taylor. That is all I want. (Laughter).

The owner's representative said this was the only entrance for coal, wood, &c.

Supt. Taylor said if there was a good substantial gate put there, and the tenant kept the gate locked and only used it for his own purpose, it would be satisfactory.

License renewed, on condition that Supt Taylor's suggestions were carried out.

The "Horns," Otford.

On the Superintendent's visit to this house, h found that there was an internal communication from the beerhouse to the cottage adjoining, and also that the back way of cottages, one cottage especially being close to the back way of the house. He understood, however, that the owners were willing to take down the door that led to the other house. He suggested that this internal communication from one house to the other be bricked up. That would satisfy him.

The license was renewed on condition that the alteration suggested were carried out.

Another application.

The next matter considered by the Magistrates was the application of Mr. Thos. Newton, on behalf of Messrs. Bushell, Watkins and Smith, of the "Black Eagle" Brewery, Westerham, for an off-retail beer license. Mr. G. F. Hobler, Barrister, supported the application for Mr. Newton, while Mr. Cripps, who opposed, appeared for the trade.—

After submitting evidence similar to that of Mr. Golding, the application was refused.

THE AFTERNOON SITTING.

Alleged none requirements.

At the afternoon sitting, which commenced at 2 p.m. the Magistrates present were: Lieut.-Colonol J. M. Rogers, D.S.O., (in the chair). Lieut.-Colonel G. W. Anson. P. H. Battiscombe, W. S. J. Crosble-Hill and Alfred Willis. Esqrs.

The following houses were then objected to, on the grounds of none requirements:— "Railway Tavern," Dunton Green; "Rising Sun," Riverhead; the "Compasses," Hartalands; "Bricklayer's Arms." Hartslands; the "Bat and Ball," St. John's; the "Crown Inn," Seal; and the "Harvest Home," Sevenoaks Weald. After hearing evidence, the license of the "Railway Tavern" was renewed; the "Compasses" and the "Bricklayer's Arms," Hartslands, were both referred to the Licensing Sessions; the "Bat and Ball," the "Crown Inn," and the "Harvest Home," were renewed.

Who is the landlord?

Peculiar Case from Riverhead.

The other objection on grounds of none requirement was to the "Rising Sun," Riverhead, one of Mr. J. S. Bligh's houses.

Sergt. Humphrey, who was the first witness, said he had known the houee for 10 years. It was situated on the north side of the road leading to Riverhead from "Bat and Ball." There were five other licensed houses in the Riverhead Village. The house in question obtained a small local roadside custom. There were no stables adjoining and no other accommodation. It was a very small two-storied house, with a small bar and a very small tap-room. On the west of the house in question was situated the "White Hart," Riverhead, but the ' Rising Sun" was not such a good house as the former. There was a cottage opposite, and two othor cottages half-way between "Bat and Ball" and this house. On the Riverhead side there were about one dozen houses, leading down to the Riverhead village, but they were not the kind of houses requiring a house like that. Anyone travelling along this road, supposing this license was not renewed, would he able to got reasonable accommodation at Riverhead. He should say that this house was not required. He might say that he had visited the house several times lately, and he had found a clerk there from Mr. Bligh's brewery, who was absolutely in charge of the house. This clerk took the money and served the customers.

Superintendent Taylor gave evidence to the effect that since the 26th January, 1900, there had been six changes of tenancy in this house. He knew the house well. It was merely a small cottage. There was a cottage adjoining the house in question, and then there was a cottage and a house on the way to Bat and Ball Railway Station. There were about one dozen houses leading down into Riverhead. There were five public houses within a radius of about a quarter-of-a-mile. He (the Superintendent visited the house at half-past 11 on Saturday, the 3rd February, and inquired for the landlord, but he was not there. He found a young boy in charge of the house, and there were two men sitting down in the house. The name of one of the men was Henry Crouch, a notorious poaching thief. He had visited the house a good many times, but he had only seen a few people there. he had never seen much business going on.

The tenant of the "Rising Sun" then entered the witness box, and gave evidence to the effcrt that he had occupied this house from the 29th December, but he paid nothing to go into the house.

Mr. Crosbie-Hill:- What are yon to pay?

Witness:- The agreement has not been properly drawn up.

Mr. Crosbie-Hill:- Are you going to pay anything?

Witness:- No, sir. (Laughter.)

Asked if he got all the profits, witness replied that he did not. He did not got any profits at present. He had nothing to do with the business further than that he was called the landlord. (Renewed laughter). Witness went on to say that there was a young clerk there, who took the money. He (witness) had been Mr. Bligh's gardener. He worked in the garden all day away from the house.

The Chairman:- You know it is a beerhouse, and you are the tenant.

Witness pointed out that he had slept in the house. He had a wife, but she was away at her home at present. They sometimes had three barrels in, and sometimes two. Of course it differed.

Mr. Willis (a Magistrate):- Have you paid for any?

Witness:- No sir.

Mr. J. S. Richardson, of Messrs. Carnell and the Richardson, solicitors, Sevenoaks, who appeared for the tenant, told the Magistrates that it was arranged that this man should be made tenant of the house. He (Mr. Richardson) understood that when be appeared before their Worships, they asked for evidence that he was to be the bona-fide landlord of the house. This man knew nothing about licensed premises, or did not at that time, and he (Mr. Richardson) understood that the agreement was so to speak, "shoved under his nose," which this tenant never had an opportunity of reading, and he signed it. That apparently satisfied the Magistrates, and he went to take possession of the house. The man's wife at the time was ill, and could not go with him for a few dayn. On his client arriving at the house, he found that the landlord had there a clerk, a man named Larvey, and he thought his name had already been mentioned, looking after the house, and taking the receipts. His wife eventually came to live with him, but Larvey stayed there.

A Magistrate said he understood that Larvey was put in there by the brewery. Where was that agreement?

The Magistrates Clerk asked the tenant if he had seen his agreement signed by his landlord?

The Tenant:- No sir. Mr. Durrant did a little signing. (Laughter).

Thomas Jordan Durrant, manager to Mr. Bligh, then gave evidence as to the amount of beer sold at this house.

The Chairman, after hearing some remarks made by Mr. Brennan, of Messrs. Brennan and Brennan, of Maidstone, who appeared for Mr. Bligh, said the Bench had decided to refer this license to the Licensing Committee at the quarter Sessions, with a view of its non-renewal.