History: Clampdown on Sunday trading

The Wairau Licensing Committee considers a clampdown on Sunday trading in Blenheim, and the leaky Globe Hotel in Renwick, this week 120 years ago, as we take a flick through the archives. From the June 4, 1903. SUNDAY TRADING:

Marlborough Express,

Mr Ching said that a large number of citizens were dissatisfied with the extent to which Sunday trading was carried on in town, and he thought the Committee should inform the police that they expected the provisions of the Act to be more strictly enforced.

Rowdyism and bad language to some extent was at times also prevalent, and that also was a matter that needed attention.

Mr Vavasour said he agreed with the previous speaker, and also felt strongly on the subject. The police should be absolutely strict in the matter of Sunday trading and supplying liquor after hours. It was not to the benefit of the publicans that they should be summoned, and it was to their interests to comply with the provisions of the law, and he was sure now it was before them the police would see the wishes of the Committee were carried out.

Messrs Griffin and Seymour concurred in the remarks and the latter also stated that, while recognising the difficulty of the police in the matter, better supervision

was required in Renwick.

Mr Simmonds also supported the remarks made and drew attention to the evil of youths being about the hotel billiard rooms.

No motion was made on the subject, the Committee stating as they had made their wishes known, they had no doubt the police would see more supervision was exercised, and Sergt. Major Mason assured the Committee the police would give the matters mentioned their increased attention.

THE GLOBE HOTEL

The police report regarding the hotel was that it was inspected on May 12th, when it was found the kitchen could not be used, having been flooded by recent rains, and the licensee was forced to cook in an open fireplace in the bar parlor.

The house in other parts showed it was not rainproof. There was no water supply, but a start had been made by the owners with the erection of a windmill.

In consequence of this visit

District-Constable Ricketts, stationed at Renwick, was instructed to inspect the hotel after the next heavy rains.

Carpenters, some ten in number, had now been put on to repair the hotel, but this is a step which should have been taken months ago. . . Mr McCallum said he would guarantee that the house would at once be placed in a proper condition.

The licence was therefore granted, subject to the repairs being carried out according to the present contract.