From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

THE LICENSING METING

On Monday, the Dover Magistrates sit as the Licensing Authority. There will be but little business before them, as they have already decided to close vote, not to have any licensed houses in Dover selected for removal by compensation. The question now seems to be decided by the Magistrates purely on the lines of temperance v. Anti-Temperance, although to an impartial observer it is difficult to see how the matter effects temperance, which in these days means prohibition. Removal of redundant public houses by compensation cannot possible mean prohibition, and it is very doubtful if it means a glass of beer less being drunk. But it does mean that public houses not required can be got rid of; and in that way it helps the brewer, the licence holder, and the public, as such houses are a nuisance to all three.

But as all the brewers and licence holders pay heavy contributions to the compensation fund, it hardly seems right that the opportunity of Dover getting some of this money back should be prevented because of the difference between the Magistrates on temperance questions. If Dover does not send any houses for removal by compensation, it simply means that other towns are benefiting at Dover's expense. That there are no public houses in Dover that are not useless to everyone, we do not believe. But to refuse to take advantage of the Act, whilst still paying its levies, goes further. It is a means of getting rid of public houses that may, in the future, have to be purchased at great costs to the town to carry out public improvements. There are several houses in that position which could well be sent up to the East Kent Quarter Sessions, and the Town would be the gainers financially if they could get rid of them in this cheap way. It is just as much to the interests of the brewers and licence holders as to the rest of the ratepayers, that rates should not be made unduly heavy by having to provide money from them, when it can be provided in other ways. the opportunity has gone this year, but the Dover Magistrates  should remember that it is a poor policy to cut off one's nose to spite one's face.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING

The monthly sitting of the Wingham Petty Sessions was held on Thursday at the Court House, Wingham, before Messrs. H. Fitzwalter Plymptre (Chairman), Admiral Sir H. Headerson, Messrs. W. Plumtre, Godfrey, Baird, Chandler, Rose, May and Fagg.

THREE HOUSES REFERRED

The Police reported on the conduct of licensed houses during the year. Supt. Barton, of the Wingham Division, in his statement said that there were 51 ale, 28 beer, and 4 grocer's licence houses in the district. Three houses had been closed by compensation, and 11 ale, 4 beer on, and one off had been transferred. Two licenses were proceeded against, but otherwise the houses had all been conducted satisfactorily.

Supt. Castle, of the Elham Division, reported that there were 11 ale and 5 been on houses, all conducted satisfactorily, with the exception of one licence proceeded against and convicted. No persons were convicted for drunkenness, against one last year.

Supt. Ford, of the Home Division (who was welcomed by the Bench having succeeded Supt. Heard, retired) said that the whole of the 17 ale, 6 on beer and two off beer licensed houses had been conducted satisfactorily. for the sixth year in succession there were no cases of drunkenness.

The Chairman said he would like to congratulate the holders of licences on the satisfactory report. This was not part of the country where there were serious offences against licensees, but at the same time it was as well to remind them of their responsibilities. The licenses of all the houses would be renewed, except the "Endeavour," Shatterling, and the "Dog and Duck," Stourmouth, which were referred last year, and the "Royal Oak," Woodnesborough, which they recommended for closing as redundant. As regard the "Charity Inn," Woodnesborough, although well equipped, they thought when the owners were considering alterations they should alter the approach to the club-room and the position of the urinal, but they did not press for the alterations at the moment. The Clerk would serve notices of objections on the three houses and they would be considered next month.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING

The general annual licensing meeting of the Borough and Liberties of Dover, was held at the Town Hall on Monday, before Sir William Crundall (in the chair), Messrs. W. J. Barnes, H. F. Edwin, W. Bradley, W. G. Lewis, W. B. Brett, W. Hollis, C. Wood, W. J. Palmer, T. A. Terson, A. Clark and Edward Chitty.

The application for the transfer of the music, singing and dancing licence of the “Queen's Hall,” Queen Street, from Mr. Temple C. Overston to Mr. Clarence Wittell, of 62, Loughton Road, Dinnington Road, Rotherham, Yorkshire, was adjourned to the adjourned licensing meeting, for Police testimonials to be produced.

The Chief Constable presented the report, which was as follows:- Gentleman, I have the honour to submit for your information my annual report under the Intoxicating Liquor Laws. On September 1st last, the Licensing Act, 1921, came into force, and the Orders of the Central Board (Liquor Traffic) ceased to have effect, and the Board was abolished. From September 1st until the transfer sessions held on October 7th, the hours during which intoxicating liquor could be sold in any licensed premises or clubs on weekdays were between half-past eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon, and between half-past five in the afternoon and ten in the evening; and on Sundays between half-past twelve and half-past two in the afternoon, and between seven and ten in the evening. At the transfer sessions, the hours were altered on weekdays to between half-past ten in the morning and half-past two in the afternoon, and between six and ten in the evenings; and on Sundays between twelve noon and two in the afternoon, and between seven and ten in the evening, and up to the present time I believe these hours have proved satisfactory. Under Section 3 of the Licensing Act, 1921, seven certificates were granted by the Licensing Justices to the following licensed premises, viz. The “Lord Warden Hotel,” the “Hotel Burlington,” No. 177, Snargate Street, No. 5, Bench Street, the Prince of Wales Pier, the Admiralty Pier, and the Dovorian Restaurant. The first four have availed themselves of the extra hour in the evening but the last three have not done so. With regards to the Standing General Orders of Exemption, granted under Section 66 of the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910, at the last annual licensing meeting, six were granted to the following licensed premises to open between half-past three and six in the morning, viz.:- The “Duchess of Kent,” the “Walmer Castle,” the “Rose and Crown,” the “Barley Mow,” the “Harbour Station,” and the “Marine Station,” and to nine others to open between five and six in the morning, viz.:- The “Bull,” the “Tower,” the “Park,” the “Griffin,” the “Prince Regent,” the “Union,” the “Shakespeare,” the “Railway Inn,” the “Terminus,” and of these only three have availed themselves of the exemptions, viz.:- The “Rose and Crown,” the “Duchess of Kent,” and the “Prince Regent,” the last two only occasionally; and I respectfully recommend that owing to the changed conditions in the Borough, with the exception of those who have availed themselves of the General Orders, these exemptions be not renewed. All the houses have been conducted satisfactorily, with the exception of the following persons, who have been proceeded against for infringement of the Licensing Acts, and the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) Orders:- On June 3rd, Thomas Henry Baldry Tiffin, licensee of the “Granville Restaurant,” Marine Parade was summoned for permitting intoxicating liquor to be consumed on his premises after closing time, and he was fined £5. On July 14th this house was placed “out of bounds” to all troops in the Garrison, and on October 10th, it was placed “in bounds.” The licence of this house had since been transferred. On July 8th, George Wayte, proprietor of the refreshment house, No. 75, Snargate Street, was fined 5s. for keeping his house open for the consumption of refreshment after doing hours, contrary to the Public-house Closing Act, 1864. On August 19th, Ernest Grigg, Secretary of the Territory Club, Northampton Street, was summoned for supplying intoxicating liquor during prohibited hours, contrary to the Orders of the Board, and the case was dismissed on the payment of the cost. Fifty special orders for exemptions, under Section 57 of the Licensing Act, 1910, have been granted to licensed premises, (including three clubs), during the year, and 14 occasional licenses have also been granted by the Justices, 436 visits were made to clubs and licensed premises by the Police during the year. Twenty-nine fully licensed premises, two “on” beer houses, one “off” beer house, and one shop changed hands during the year. There are in the Borough:- Fully licensed houses, 143; “on” and “off” beer houses, 5; “off” beer houses, 10; shops, 11; confectioners, 3; total 1172. Drunkenness:- 1919, 21 males, 7 females, total 28; 1920, 18 males, 3 females, total 21; 1921, 14 males, 6 females; total 20. of those proceeded against for drunkenness, ten were residents, eight non-residents, and two soldiers. Population, census,1921, 39,965; population to each licenses house, 232.47; drunkenness by 1,000 population, 0.5. I have selected no licenses for compensation this year, owing to the difficulty of differentiation, but the “Endeavour Inn,” Bulwark Street, has been closed since October last, and I have reason to believe that the renewal of the licence will not be applied for; there are also the “Archliff Fort Inn,” Bulwark Street, and the “Two Brewers” and the “Exeter Arms,” Limekiln Street, all of which come under the Pier Improvement Scheme and may not be rebuilt, and I respectfully suggest that should the Justices desire to send any for compensation, a small committee of Magistrates be formed to assist me in selecting the houses:-

Charles Green. Chief Constable.

The Chairman said that it was a very satisfactory report indeed.

The Magistrates' Clerk said that all the licenses would be renewed, except that of the “Prince of Orange,” New Street, the landlord of which had just died, and Messrs. Rigden would make the necessary steps in that case.

Public dancing, singing and music licenses were renewed.

Mr. Fraser, for the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company, appeared in support of an application for certificates for the Harbour Station and the Marine Station refreshment rooms to be renewed, and that the compensation should be, as before, reduced to a third.

Mr. Rutley Mowll made a similar application for the Gordon Hotels' refreshment rooms on the Prince of Wales Pier, and the Admiralty Pier.

These applications were granted, and similar certificates were granted to local restaurants.

In connection with the renewal of licenses for opening early in the morning, Alderman Chitty said that the Magistrates had decided to adopt in respect of the Chief Constable, and this contained a recommendation that the exception should not be renewed except to those who had availed themselves of the opportunity.

The Magistrates' Clerk said that there was no discussion on the point when it was adopted. The real discussion was on the question of houses for compensation.

Mr. Barnes said that they could not take it away without giving notice to the holders.

It was decided to give notice that the matter would be considered at the adjourned general meeting.

The following dates were fixed as dates for special sessions for transfers:- Fridays, April 7th, June 2nd, August 11th, October 6th, December 1st, 1922, and January 12th, 1923.

Mr. Shea, of Margate, applied on behalf of the Isle of Thanet Licensed Victuallers' Association, to ask for a variation in the hours of opening under the Licensing Act, 1921, which came into force on September 1st last. The hours when fixed were 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. As regards the Sunday hours, they had worked admirably and no one wanted to make a change. The persons whom he represented were also satisfied with the morning hours, but they were going to ask the Magistrates to grant an extension of the evening hours. He knew he was asking a good deal. They were called upon to administer a licensing district of which he did not think there was the like anywhere in England. They had jurisdiction over a large Borough, and, in addition, even a track of country which might be known to some of them but certainly not as intimately as Dover, which was not under the jurisdiction of the Borough Police and which had towns over twenty miles apart.

The Chairman: That's not our fault, (laughter).

Mr. Shea: No, it is your misfortune (laughter).

Continuing, Mr. Shea said that no one by any stretch of imagination would call Dover a health and pleasure resort, despite what it was in the past; in fact, he thought he could call it an industrial town, even allowing for the bad times. Westgate, Broadstairs, and Birchington were entirely different, and descended upon London visitors who came for their holidays. These people came for relaxation, and they endeavoured to supply it. During the season many of the concerts and entertainments were carried on till ten o'clock which, bearing in mind the Daylight Saving Bill, was really only nine o'clock. These people if they wanted any refreshment before going home, had, therefore, to leave the concert before it was over. Two of the licensees would tell the Bench that shortly before ten o'clock their places were besieged with people wanting refreshment. He applied for as extension of the hours till 10.30 p.m. or failing that being considered, that the hours should be altered to 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. It would be an immense boon, and would make all the difference between convenience and inconvenience. He did not know if there was to be any opposition, but there was absolutely none from the County Police. He referred to the excellent manner in which the houses had been conducted in the district.

The Chairman said that was quite right; he had said so for many years past.

Mr. Skinner, licensee of the “Tartar Frigate,” Broadstairs, said he had three years' experience of the requirements of the locality. The present hours were irksome to the visitor, and a penalty to the licensed victualler every summer. Shortly before ten o'clock a queue assembled at his house, and it was absolutely impossible to serve them all. It would be a great advantage and an acquisition to the place if the half-hour was granted.

The Rev. W. Holyoak said that he appeared on behalf of the Dover Temperance Council to urge that the hours in the evening should not be extended as desired to 10.30. Most visitors to the district were, presumably, from London, and he could put before the Bench figures showing that the extension beyond ten o'clock there had been attended to by a serious increase of drunkenness. The average number of cases of drunkenness before the extension from 10 to 11 were 432 a week in the Metropolitan district, but after the extension the average rose to 643, which was an increase of over 45 per cent. He submitted that it would be a lamentable step to take, not only for the general public but for the publicans as well.

Mr. Ovenden, Chairman of the Dover Licensed Victualler's protection Society, made application for an extension of half an hour to be granted to Dover. He said they had heard all kinds of promises of a similar reason and they were looking forward to more visitors coming to Dover next year. Attractions were being put forward, and he thought that should be up-to-date. Mr. Shea had said that Dover was not a health resort, but in that he (Mr. Ovenden) differed from him, for the town was gradually coming back to its pre-war condition, and it was up to them to meet its requirements. He contended that the licensed victuallers knew these requirements. He pointed out that they were playing the same license duties as they did when they were open a larger number of hours, and more than half the licensed vistuallers in the town had a hard job to meet these expenses; in fact, he thought he would be right in saying that 75 per cent, were not doing so. The Police report was very satisfactory, and he thought that the Dover public could be trusted with the extra half an hour, even if it was only as a kind of medal for past good behaviour. If the application was not granted, he formally asked that the hours should be changed to 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

After the Bench had deliberated in private, the Chairman said that the Bench had considered Mr. Shea's application, and by a majority they had come to the conclusion that they would grant the extra half an hour on one condition alone – that they received themselves the right to reconsider the matter at the meeting in October next.

Mr. Shea: It is an extra half hour as a trial?

The Chairman: Yes, to see how you behave yourselves. It will be the same for Dover as well.

It was decided that the new hour should come into force on Friday.

An application by Russell's Gravesend brewers Co., for the approval of plans of proposed alterations to the “Callis Court Hotel,” Broadstairs, was granted.

The Court decided to hold the adjourned meetings (1) at the “Piermont Hall,” Broadstairs, on Wednesday, February 22nd, at 3 p.m., for renewing licenses; and (2) at the “Town Hall,” Dover, on Friday, March 3rd, at 11 a.m., for the purpose of hearing applications for new licenses within the Liberties if any.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 17 February, 1922. Price 1½d.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS

At the monthly sitting of the Wingham Petty Sessions at Dover Town Hall on Thursday, before Messrs. T. A. Terson (in the chair), Col. Cavenagh, and Messrs. M. Prickett, Chandler, C. J. Burgess and Rose.

ADJOURNED LICENSING MEETING

The report of the police on the licensed houses in the district, which was first presented at Wingham on February 2nd, and published at the time, were again read over.

The Chairman announced that the licenses of all the houses in the district would be renewed with the exception of the “Fox Inn,” Temple Ewell, which was objected to on the ground of redundancy, and the matter would be considered at the adjourned meeting on the 16th March.

Plane for the alteration to the “Chance Inn,” Guston, were submitted by Mr. F. G. Hayward, and approved, the improvement being an alteration to the staircase.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 10 March, 1922. Price 1½d.

STRANGE METHODS OF THE LICENSING JUSTICES

The adjourned annual licensing session was held at the Dover Police Court o Friday last, before Sir William Crundall (in the chair), Dr. C. Wood, and Messrs. W. Hollis, C. E. Bossfoy, Edward Chitty, W. D. Atkins, A. Clark, W. J. Barnes, W. J. Bussey, W. B. Brett, T. A. Terson, W. G. Lewis and W. Bromley.

The Magistrates' Clerk said that the question of the granting of early licenses was adjourned from the general licensing meeting for consideration that day.

Mr. G. P. Wood, on behalf of the “Walmer Castle,” the first case heard, said that he did not propose to apply for the renewal of the privilege. He hoped, however, that if the time should come when they desired to be allowed to open early, the Bench would bear in mind that the early licence had been granted previously. The same would apply in the cases of the “Union Hotel,” the “New Commercial Quay Inn,” and the “Bull Inn,” London Road.

The Chairman: Why do you not want the licence now?
Mr. Wood said that with people starting work later, it was not required.

The Chairman: If you have it, you are not compelled to use it.

Mr. Wood: As you wish.

Alderman Chitty: Surely, we do not wish to force it upon them, unless they wish.

The Chairman: I quite expected that from you, Mr. Chitty. (Laughter).

Alderman Chitty: But surely it is reasonable?

The Magistrates' Clerk in reply to a question, said that it was open to Mr. Wood to apply for the facility at any transfer session, if the circumstances warranted it.

The Chairman: That settles it, then.

Mr. Wright, of the “Rose and Crown,” Clarence Place, was the next case.

The Magistrates' Clerk: You have opened early?

Mr. Wright: Yes, from 3.30 a.m. to 6 a.m. Facilities are needed for the pilots and the men from the boats.

Mr. Atkins: Are there any night boats now?

Mr. Wright: No, but there are people working all night , and we have a lot of pilots in from Gravesend. We do more before breakfast than at any other time.

The application was granted, eight Magistrates voting in favour and Alderman Chitty and Mr. Atkins against.

Mr. Sandifird appeared in the cases of the “Barley Mow Inn,” the “Shakespeare Inn,” Elizabeth Street, and the “Griffin Inn,” Folkestone Road. In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk he said that advantage had not been taken of the licence in any way of the three houses. They had not been able to.

The Chairman: Why?

Mr. Sandiford: Because of the restrictions under the Liquor Control Act, which did not cease until last September. He asked for renewal of the licenses.

Mr. Brett moved that they be granted.

Alderman Chitty: Did not the Chief Constable, in his report, suggest they these houses which had not used the permission should not have it renewed?

Chief Constable Green said that was so. There was hardly anyone about early now. The conditions were altered entirely, with men not starting work before eight o'clock. These houses were shown on his books as early-licence houses, but they did not use the privilege. It was always open to a licensee to apply when he wanted the permission.

The Chairman: You say they are required, Mr. Sandiford?

Mr. Sandiford: Yes.

Chief Constable Green said that the onus was on the licensee to show that it was required.

The licensee of the “Shakespeare Inn” said that he used to do well with the fish market, and he did not want to lose the chance of opening if the occasion again arose.

Mr. Hollis: If permission were granted, would you not use it at once?

The licensee: No.

Mr. Hollis: You can apply for it when you want it.

The Chairman: You apply for it now?

The licensee: Yes.

Mr. Atkins: Then show cause why it should be renewed.

The licensee: Because I do not want it to be taken away. (Laughter).

Mr. Beaufoy said that anyone could go and knock up a licensee during these hours if he was not open.

Mr. Atkins: if I come down there at five o'clock and want a cup of tea, you will have to get it?

The licensee: Yes, I will. (Laughter).

The licenses for the three houses were granted, on being just to the vote, by seven voted to six, Dr. Wood, Alderman Chitty, and Messrs. Clark, Atkins, Hollis and Beaufoy voting against.

The licensee of the “Tower Inn,” Tower Street, made no application for the renewal of the early morning licence.

Mr. Hollis: Will you not make them have it? (Laughter).

Mrs. Pennington, of the “Park Inn,” Park Street, applied for the renewal of her licence.

Mrs. Pennington, in reply to the Chairman said that she had not used the licence. She did not know she was entitled to, until she saw it in the papers recently. She thought that amongst those who would use the house were the electric light men.

Mr. Beaufoy: They are all total abstainers. (Laughter).

On being put to the vote, the licence was granted by seven votes, to six.

The licensee of the “Prince Regent,” Market Square, and the “Railway Inn,” Hawkesbury Street, did not apply for the renewal of the licenses granted them.

Mr. Pritchard, of the “Terminus Hotel,” Beach Street, appeared , and asked for a renewal of his licence. He said he thought that, as time went on, there would be an opportunity to use it.

Alderman Chitty: You know you can apply for it at any time?

Mr. Pritchard: Yes, but I prefer not to lose it.

The licence was granted by seven votes to six.

No application was made by the licensee of the “Duchess of Kent,” market Square.

The Queen's Hall music, singing and dancing licence was transferred from Mr. E. Overston to Mr. Clarence Whittell.

A similar licence for Messrs. Woolworth's Stores, from Mr. William G. Netherell to Mr. C. J. Markwick, the Manager.

Mr. Clark asked if the licence for the Queen's Hall was for seven days.

The Magistrates' Clerk said that it was.

Alderman Chitty asked if they had any power to withdrawer permission for opening on Sundays?

The Magistrates' Clerk said that the licence had already been renewed for the year. The Hall was licensed for pictures by the Council.

Mr. Clark said that he did not see that one picture house should be licensed for six days and another for seven days.

The Chairman: There are three down the town who can open. Must we have a resolution?

Mr. Atkins: I am dead against it. I do not work seven days a week, and I would not do it for anyone.

Ten voted in favour of the transfer, on the matter being put to the vote.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 14 April, 1922. Price 1½d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

The "Brown Jug," Dumpton, near Broadstairs, was transferred from the late Mr. A. J. Sutton to Mr. G. Watts.

Mr. Shea applied for the confirmation of the medical wine licence granted to Mr. John Walton, chemist, of Broadstairs, and this was granted.

Mr. M. Mowll applied for the transfer of the licence of 177, Snargate Street from Mr. Vinoli to Mr. Francesco Capelli, of London, S.E. His difficulty was that the incoming licensee was represented by a London firm of solicitors, who would be down that day with the references. He asked that the Bench should grant a protection order until the Police were satisfied with the references, and the matter could be confirmed at the next Sessions in June. The Bench granted the application, but said that it was not to be taken as a precedent.

The "Grand Hotel," Broadstairs, which re-opened for the summer season on Tuesday, applied for extensions for dances during the Easter holidays, which were granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 3 March, 1922. Price 1½d.

WINGHAM PETTY SESSIONS

The monthly sitting of the Wingham Petty Sessions was held at the Court House, Wingham, on Thursday, before Mr. H. Fitzwalter Plumptre (Chairman), Lord Northbourne, Admiral R Henderson, Messrs. C. J. Burgess, H. M. Baker, Elmer Speed, Baird, A. H. G. Dubrey, M. Pickett, Chandler, Rose, May, Raggete, Branson, Kennedy, Fagg, and Champion.

OBJECTED TO LICENSES RENEWED

The Magistrates set to hear objections to the renewal of licenses of three licensed houses in the District. In the first case, “Dog and Duck,” Stourmouth, Mr. R. Mowll appeared and formally asked for the renewal. He said that the licensee could not attend owing to being ill with phlebitis.

The Bench retired, and, on their return, said that the license would be renewed.

Mr. R. Mowll appeared on behalf of the licensee and the brewers, Messrs. Thompson and Son, Ltd., to ask for the renewal of the license of the “Endeavour,” Shatterling, Staple.

On return, the Chairman said that the licence would be renewed.

The third house considered was the “Royal Oak,” Woodnesborough, and Mr. R. Mowll appeared to ask for the renewal.

The Bench after a lengthy retirement renewed the licence.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 9 June, 1922. Price 1½d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

At the wine and beer licence of 177, Snargate Street was transferred from Mr. Virgilio Vanoli to Mr. Francis Capelli, of 177 Snargate Street.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 30 June, 1922. Price 1½d.

DRUNKEN MAN'S NARROW ESCAPE

At the Dover Police Court on Friday last, before Messrs. C. E. Beaufoy (in the chair), W. E. Palmer and A. C. Leney.

William Foster was charged with having been drunk and incapable on Crosswall Quay.

The prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he was sorry.

P.C. Max Heller said that at 10.40 the previous night he was on duty on the Crosswall Quay, and saw the prisoner staggering about. He went to him and found that he was drunk. Witness questioned him and found that he had no abode and no friends, and as he was incapable of taking care of himself he obtained the ambulance and brought him to the Police Station.

Chief Constable Green said that he heard that the prisoner was found on the railway lines at the Crosswall by the gatekeeper, and he would have been killed if a train had come along. He had no money, and, according to his papers, he was recently paid off from a ship at Calais.

The Chairman said that the prisoner would be fined 2s. 6d., or one day's imprisonment.

Prisoner went below.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 11 August, 1922. Price 1½d.

A CHILD WHO SANG IN PUBLIC HOUSES

At the Dover Police Court on Monday, before Messrs. W. B. Brett (in the chair) and A. A. Ward.

Eldridge Ougham was charged with offences against Ivy Gwendoline Laurence, aged 13 years, on June 27th and on divers previous dates.

Mr. W. Scorer appeared for the prosecution.

The evidence of Detective Sergeant Greenland, given at the previous Saturday's hearing, was read over. It stated that he was in company with P.C. Cadman on August 5th at the foot of Military Hill, when he saw the prisoner. He took him into custody, and on being charged at the Police Station he replied, “Yes.”

Mr. Scorer said that he understood that the prisoner wished to be legally represented by Mr. Mowll, and, realising the short notice and the need for proper instructions in the case, he would agree to an adjournment.

The prisoner was remanded in custody until Wednesday.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 18 August, 1922. Price 1½d.

LICENSING BUSINESS

Messrs. George Beer and Co's Stores, Priory Station was transferred from Mr. George A. Pilcher to Mr. William Harris, Secretary to Messrs. George Beer and Rigden, Ltd.

Messrs Rigden's Stores, Peter Street, from Mr. Frank E. Halliday to Mr. William Harris, Secretary to Messrs. George Beer and Rigden Ltd.

The "Bay Hotel," Birchington, was transferred from Mr. Albert W. Wheeler to Mr. John Antonio Fagnoni, of Margate.

The "Captain Digby," Kingsgate was transferred from Mr. William G. Hobby to Mr. William Lusher.

Mr. Wood of Messrs. Leney and Co., applied for an occasional licence to sell refreshments during the Dover Cricket Week, and to sell beers, wines and spirits from the Dover Harbour tugboat in the bay on the occasion of the Dover Regatta. Both applications were granted.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday, 13 October, 1922. Price 1½d.

PUBLIC-HOUSE HOURS ALTERED

A full bench of Magistrates attended at the Dover Police Court on Friday last for the quarterly licensing meeting, at which was to be re-considered the question whether public-houses should close at 10 p.m. or 10.30 p.m. Mr. W. J. Barnes was in the chair, and the other Magistrates present were Alderman Sir Edwin Farley, W. Bradley, Edward Chitty, J. W. Bussey, W. G. Lewis and C.J. Sellens; Dr. C. Wood, Dr. W. J. D. Best, and Messrs. W. B. Brett, W. D. Atkins, T. Francis, S. Lewis, A Clark, W. Bromley, W. Hollis, C. E. Beaufoy, and J. H. Back.

The Magistrates' Clerk said at that meeting the Justices would hear any person whom they thought was qualified to give an expression of opinion for the purpose of ascertaining local opinion on the question of the hours of opening. At the last Brewster Sessions, an extra half-hour (until 10.30 p.m.) was granted, on the understanding that it would be reconsidered at the October session.
Mr. Ovenden said that, as representing the licensed victuallers of Dover, he thought he might say that the extra half-hour had not been taken advantage of by anyone, and he was sure the Chief of Police would agree that it had entailed no extra work and that the licensees had carried out their duties in their usual circumspect manner. Many of the houses had lodges of various kinds which met there, and the usual time of commencing the meeting was 8.30 p.m. but in many cases it was 9.30 before a full attendance could be met, as many members were at work and could not get there before. If the houses were to close at ten o'clock it gave no time for the business to be conducted or the musical portion of the programme, which was usual. Again, there were a lot of men at the Pier district who did not leave work till ten o'clock, and they would be debarred from any refreshment on the way home, which they had again become accustomed to. Licensees paid the same duties for greatly curtailed hours, and were finding it very difficult to meet expenses, and knocking off this half-hour would be inflicting a greater hardship on them than was necessary. He could assure the bench that if the extra half-hour was granted again, they would continue to carry out their duties in a proper manner.

Mr. Shea appeared for the Thanet Licensed Victuallers' Association, which comprised, he said, the districts of Broadstairs and St. Peter's, with a population of anything up to 15,000, and Birchington and Westgate, about half of that. He also asked for the present hour of closing to be continued.

The Rev. W. Holyoak said that he had come that morning as president of the Free Church Council, which comprised Baptist, Congregational, Friends, Primitive Methodist, Salvation Army and Wesleyan Methodist Churches. Whilst the bulk of their members were total abstainers, there were still not a few who were moderate drinkers, but, at the same time, almost to a man or woman they were in favour of reducing the hours. It would be entirely wrong to assume that the Justices had come there with their minds already made up. They had come prepared to listen to the pros and cons. They were not there to discuss the question of abstinence, or they might introduce the question of personal liberty or St. Paul's advice to Timothy (laughter), but the issue was narrowed down to whether the public-houses should close at 10.30 or half an hour earlier. It was not a question to be decided in accordance with the wish of the trade of the churches, but solely in the greatest public interest. Their contention was that if the half-hour was taken off less drink would be sold. They regarded the half-hour as the dangerous period, and held that less drink sold meant less disease and deaths. This was not the opinion of faddists, but could be supported by cold statistics, notably in connection with deaths from alcoholism, which dropped in 1918 to 339 from something like 2,000 before the war. In 1919, when the restrictions were somewhat relaxed, the figures rose to 384, and in 1920 to 577.

Mr. Shea said that he supposed that Mr. Holyoak was prepared to quote the number of deaths in America since they had the prohibition?

The rev. W. Holyoak said that Mr. Shea was perfectly in order in making such a request, but he was not prepared to give the figures, as he had not got them (laughter). Continuing, he said that restricted consumption of drink would mean less drunkenness. There had been, he said, with the relaxation of restrictions, after the war, a startling increase in the convictions for drunkenness. Further, whilst the Police were eager to do their duty, there were numbers of cases which never came to the Courts at all. There was another point to consider. The major part of the public consisted of women and children, and, in considering the public interest, he submitted that they should think of the wives who waited at home at night for their husbands and the children who were deeply concerned whether their father came home straight or staggering. After quoting comparative figures of the death rate among publicans and others he thought that the knocking off of the half hour would be in the interest of the publicans and their staffs, not for the gathering of more money but in the increase of happiness. As regards the question of those who attended entertainments and were unable to obtain refreshments after ten o'clock were the interests of the wives and children to be outweighed by this argument? If it was necessary that these people should obtain refreshment in order to get home, it was quite possible foe the entertainment to arrange to close a quarter of an hour earlier. He always repudiated the suggestion that the British working man at his best wanted longer hours. He asked that the matter should be decided not in accordance with what the drink Trade or the Churches desired, but in the general public interest and he asked that special attention should be given to the welfare of the home, which was the most vital asset in their national life.

Lieut. Greves, R.N., also addressed the bench in favour of 10 p.m. closing.

The Bench retired, and were absent nearly a quarter of an hour.

On their return, the Chairman said that the Magistrates by a majority had decided that the houses should close at ten o'clock.

The Magistrates' Clerk said that it would come into force on Monday, October 16th.

Mr. W. Evans, secretary of the River and District Co-operative Society, applied for a music, singing and dancing licence for the new premises in Biggin Street, next to the general Post Office.

Chief Constable Green said that he had inspected the premises and there were two large rooms upstairs practically fireproof, and there were good exits.

The application was granted.