REDUCTION IN AUCKLAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2565, 28 July 1909, Page 5

REDUCTION IN AUCKLAND.

DISPOSSESSED LICENSEES. (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 27. A meeting of tho Auckland licensed trade was held this afternoon, at which a presentation of £IOOO was made to the late licensees of the hotels (five in the city) which wore closed on June 30th. Mr. A. E. Glover. M.P., presided, and said he had advocated many years ago that a fund should be set aside ana added to vear by 1 year, with the object of properly reimbursing those who had been,, unfortunate enough to lose their means of livelihood. , Mr..J. S. Palmer, President of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association, said these five respected licensees were forced to close their licensed doors by reason of the carrying of that “cursed and unjust” reduction vote. AVhat Jiaa taken place was an example, and snowed the rest-of the trade that it could be loyal to itself. It was a question of organisation, and without that tliej could not hope to combat the attacks which were made upon .them by their opponents. Looking at the question or rod action, it seemed monstrous that they should . be periodically robbed. They- wore deprived of their living, and almost of tlieir manhood. They practically got no notice, when they were to close. Even under no-license they knew they had to dose 'down six months beforehand, but when reduction was carried they only had about four weeks’ notice.