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From the Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham News, 10 February, 1939.
A "COLD WEATHER" DRINK.
An unsuccessful application was made by Mr M. V. Mackey, on behalf of
Mr. William Sargent, for a full "on" licence for the "Edinburgh Castle,"
High-street. Northfleet. Mr Mackey maintained that there were no other
licenced premises within half a mile radius, and that the house was in
the centre of the town. A good deal of trade came from the new Bevan's
Works.
Stressing the need for the wine licence. Mr. Mackey said, "In cold
weather people don't drink so much beer—they prefer wine. I am told that
gin-and-lime is a very good drink for keeping warm—some drink it for
slimming.
Mr. Macker explained that when visiting darts teams came to the house,
many players brought their wives, who were very disappointed when they
found there was no wine. The licensee (Mr. Sargent) said. "Yes darts is
becoming very popular with the ladies now."
Mr. T. Church (opposing): Is it not a fact that the "India Arms" are
nearer to Bevan's Works than your house?
Mr. Sargent: Yes, it is too near—the men might be seen!
Opposing on behalf of three other houses, Mr. H. Tuffee claimed that
trade in that part of Northfleet was going down.
The application was refused.
"THE SHIP," UPNOR.
The Magistrates refused an application by Mr. M. V. Mackey on behalf of
the licensee of The "Ship," Upnor, for an "on" beer, wine and spirits
licence. The house has at present an "on" beer and wine licence, the
licensee being Mr. Charles Enoch Allman.
Mr. Mackey said there was only one other licensed house within the
quarter mile area, namely the "Pier Inn." The licensee at The "Ship," he
said, had greatly increased the trade since he had been there. There
were now attached to the house the Rochester Cruising Club, the Essex
Yacht Club, and the Floboat Canoe Club.
"This is a summer area, particularly with regard to yachtsmen," said Mr.
Mackey, "and the licensee has been increasingly asked to supply spirits
at that time."
Mr. Mackey submitted a petition containing 145 signatures, asking for
the extended licence.
For the licensee of the "Pier Inn," James Wadhams, Mr. H. N. Grimwade
(solicitor), submitted that the "Pier" was only sixty yards away and had
a full licence in Lower Upnor, moreover, there were only 33
dwelling-houses, and the total inhabitants did not exceed 100. To create
another full licence in that area," he suggested, "would be to create a
redundancy.
Giving evidence, Mr. Wadhams said that the people who came to Upnor
during the summer season did not require spirits, and the Upnor trade
was solely a summer trade.
OFF-LICENCE REFUSED.
On behalf of David Stanley Pierson, of the Sandling Park Estate, Ltd.,
Mr John Williams (solicitor) applied for a full "off" licence at No.
107, Boundary-road, Chatham. The application was opposed by Mr M. V.
Mackey (solicitor) on behalf of the licensees of The "Old Fox and
Hounds" and The "New Fox and Hounds," by Mr. William E. A. Taylor, of
59, Blenneim-avenue, Chatham, and by the Rev J. P. Marsden (of Ebenezer
Church, Chatham) At the beginning of the hearing, Mr. Miskin
(solicitor), reminded the Magistrates of premises now in course of
erection in the Balfour-road area, in respect of which a similar
application was to made at the adjourned licensing session.
Mr Williams said the proposed on licence would be in the centre of a
newly built area. Within a quarter of a mile there was only one
fully-licensed house.
Sydney W. H. Sinclair produced a plan of the estate, and said that the
applicant had built 296 houses there which were sold and occupied.
Residents on the estate had inquired as to the possibilities of licensed
premises. He produced a petition containing 300 signatures.
Mr. Mackey said that an application was to be made at the adjourned
licensing session for consent to structural alteration at The "New Fox
and Hounds," which would involve an almost complete rebuilding. He
pointed out that The "Old George" and The "Huntsman" had been provided
to supply the needs of housing expansion in that part of the town.
Mr. Taylor, who said he lived on the estate, told the Magistrates that
talking from the estate towards the town, one passed a number of
public-houses.
The Rev. Marsden opposed the application "on behalf of the young life of
the
neighbourhood."
The application was refused.
NORTHFLEET REMOVAL.
Consent was given to the ordinary removal of the licence of The "Rising
Sun" at Coopers-road, Perry-street, Northfleet, to a site on the
opposite side of the road at the junction with Carters-road.
ROCHESTER SAY "NO" TO NEW LICENCE
Third Unsuccessful Application for the "David Copperfield."
CITY’S SOBER YEAR.
At Rochester Brewster Session, on Tuesday, the Chief Constable
(Commander W. J. A. Willis) paid tribute to the licensees for their good
conduct and co-operation with the Police.
In his annual report he stated that total number of premises licensed
for sale of intoxicating liquors was 96, or one for every 337 persons of
the population in the City. For consumption on or off the premises there
were 67 alehouses, 17 beer houses and two for beer and wines. For
consumption off the premises there were seven for beer and three for
wines and spirits.
In addition to the above licences there were 25 registered Clubs in the
City an increase of two as compared with the previous year. The number
of licenses transferred during the year was eight, a decrease of six
over the previous year. During the year 125 occasional licences and 75
extensions were granted.
There were 11 people proceeded against for drunkenness, eight being non
residents of the City. Included in the proceeding was one case of
drunkenness due to methylated spirit. There was one case of driving
whilst under the influence of drink, and the driver was convicted.
Market day exemptions from 2.0 p.m to 3.0 p.m. in respect of the "Bull
Hotel City Restaurant," "King's Head Hotel" and "Rochester Castle" were
still in force.
Since the last annual licensing proceedings had been taken in respect of
one licensee, and three cautions were administered by the Chief
Constable in respect of minor irregularities.
There were 31 licensed houses closed on the grounds of redundancy since
1904.
The Chairman (Alderman Charles Willis) said the Bench would like to
congratulate the Chief Constable on the whole character of the report
which was very instructive. He observed that of the of drunkenness
during the year the majority of these were non-resident- "undesirable
importations one might call them," the Alderman commented. The Chairman
congratulated the licensees on the way they had supervised their houses
and added that the City was to be commended on its sobriety and the
good conduct of the inhabitants. "We compare very favourably with other
districts of the same population," he stated.
The Chief Constable, after retuning thanks, said he must pay tribute to
licensees of the district for their support and co-operation. We have to
realise that the good record we have has much to do with the good
conduct ot the licensees, on the way they had supervised their houses,
and added that the City was to be commended on its sobriety and the good
conduct of the inhanitants. We compare very favourably with other
districts of the same population," he stated. "We have to realise that
the good record we have has much to do with the good conduct of the
licenses and the team work they have shown with the Police," he
declared.
WINE LICENCE GRANTED.
In regard to an application by George Fletcher, of The "Bell,"
Cossack-street for a licence to sell wine, the Chief Constable said that
last year a similar application was made, and refused. Since then the
situation had not materially altered, the "Carpenter's Arms" and "Don
Cossack" each in the same street, being 23 yards and 75 yards away
respectively from the "Bell." Both of these houses had wine licences the
"Don Cossack" was being rebuilt to comply with modern requirements.
In fairness to the applicant, Mr. R. Bremen said that the application
was based upon the increasing demand of the public for wine. "I think I
can say, "Mr. Brennon continued. "that if a vote were taken tomorrow
among men on the question of beer or sherry, the male vote would be
overwhelmingly in favour of beer, but the vote of the fair sex would be
overwhelmingly in favour of sherry, and it is on those grounds that this
application is made."
"It used to be regarded a social crime for ladies to go into
public-houses, but no-one thinks any the worse of them now. They have
the same privileges as men. They smoke as we smoke, drink as we drink,
and the only difference is that they prefer short drinks to long ones.
If you grant this you will earn the ladies' gratitude."
There was no opposition to the application.
The licensee said he had been asked by a considerable number of
customers to endeavour to obtain a wine licence, and he produced a list
of 131 signatures in support of the application.
He also referred to the activities at the house—a men's sports club,
ladies’ sports club, a big R.A.O.B. Lodge, as well as the Foresters.
The Bench granted the application.
NO DAVID COPPERFIELD.
There was again considerable opposition to an application made for the
third time by Henry John Bretton, district manager for Messrs. Truman,
Hanbury, Buxton, and Co., Ltd., for a licence for premises planned on a
site at the junction of Copperfield-road and Trotwood-road. As before,
the application was refused.
Mr. M. V. Mackey appeared on behalf of the applicants, and there was
opposition in respect of the "Rose" (Mr. Cockrill), the "George" (Mr.
Austin), the "Who’d a Thought It" (Mrs. Butler), and the "Prince of
Wales" (Mr. Tassell), all of whom were represented by Mr. H. Tuffee; the
"Bell" (Mr. Fletcher), represented by Mr. Brennan; the "Don Cossack"
(Mr. Baker), represented by Mr. W. H. Stratton, and the "Denmark Arms"
and "Canopus," represented by Mr. Miskin. The brewers concerned were
Style and Winch, Mason’s. Meux's, and Leney’s.
There was further opposition from the Rev. A. M. Brakenrig, on behalf of
the Rochester and District Free Church Council, and by Mr. W. E. A.
Taylor, on behalf of the Rochester Temperance Association.
The observations of the Chief Constable were that the present position
in regard to other premises in the vicinity was unchanged. There were no
licensed premises within a quarter-of-a-mile radius of the proposed
site, and there were five fully-licensed houses and three beer-houses
between a quarter-of-a-mile and half-a-mile radius of the proposed site.
DEVELOPING ESTATES.
The residential property in the vicinity continued to grow, there being
now 501 houses in the Rochester Garden City Estate, and 76 in the Valley
View Estate. "This is an increase of some 270 houses over the figures
obtained on the occasion of the last application, and there is no doubt
that both estates will increase rapidly," he stated.
In making the application, Mr. Mackey said that it was proposed to erect
premises on the south-west corner of Copperfield-road, and to name the
house "David Copperfield." The house would be very modern, and include a
large saloon bar, private bar, public bar, off sales department and
club-room.
The opposition had been very extensive as in the past two years, and an
additional objector was the "Don Cossack," which Mr. Mackey said was a
long way away.
According to an ordnance map, there was no licensed house within
half-a-mile diameter, there was only one within three-quarters-of-a-mile
diameter ("Prince of Wales"), and five fully-licensed houses and one
beer-house within a mile diameter of the proposed premises.
On the west side of the site on the Council s estate there were 123
houses fully occupied within a quarter-of-a mile. On the east side of
the site was the Rochester Garden City Estate, which was being
extensively developed. Mr. Mackey at this juncture, drew attention to
the Chief Constable's observations on the development of the district.
"The Bench have three things to do in considering this application." Mr.
Mackey declared, “firstly, whether or not the proposed licensee is a fit
and proper person, which goes without saying: secondly, that the
proposed premises’ are suitable, and thirdly, that there is the demand
for such a house."
He pointed out that licensed houses in the vicinity were built long
before the new housing estates which it was proposed to serve, and
mentioned the following distances from the suggested premises:—
"Carpenter's Arms," 902 yards; "Don Cossack," 962 yards; "Denmark Arms"
(982 yards); "Old George" (1,387 vards); "Prince of Wales" (627 yards):
"Bell" (876 yards): "Who’d a Thought It" (925 yards): and "Belle Vue,"
which was outside the one mile diameter.
MR. MACKEY AND MINORITY.
Dealing with the opposition, Mr. Mackey said that it came from every
brewery company in the neighbourhood, and in regard to the other
opposition, said: "Everyone is entitled to their views, but they will
probably tell you they don't want anybody to drink. There is only one
way for them to get the licensing laws altered, and that is by
Parliament, but it is the last thing we want, to be governed by the
minority."
Mr. Mackev referred to a petition from the estates, signatures being
obtained from 472 houses out of 497, and went on to state that whereas
there was one licensed house in the City to every 337 people, it was
estimated that there was about 800 people living within a
quarter-of-a-mile diameter of the proposed premises.
Harold Anderson, architect, of Watling-street, Canterbury, said that the
new building would cost about £9,000 without the site, and if the
license was granted, it would probably be built by the end of the year.
Witness spoke of 657 houses within a half-mile diameter.
Raymond James Sargent, of Queen-street, Mayfair, architect to Rochester
City Gardens' Estate, said that the estate covered about 50 acres, and
including houses in the course of erection there were 500 dwellings, 380
being occupied. There had been 270 houses erected since the application
last year. According to the demand, about 120 houses would be built a
year. There seemed to be a considerable waiting list.
A PERSONAL APPEAL.
Henry John Marchant, of Roffen-road, Rochester, who obtained the
signatures in support of the application, also made a personal appeal.
"We were absolutely isolated at Christmas time, and during the crisis we
could not get out to buy spirits, and had to stay indoors and suffer
agonies," he said.
Mr. Tuffee said that if a new licence was required, it was a most
inconvenient place. "A lot of people would rather walk a mile than walk
up that hill." he declared.
He also argued that a half-a-mile radius of the existing licences would
take in most, if not all, the people in the area of the proposed
premises. "One has got to be careful not to take trade away from
existing licensed houses," he added, in maintaining that the district
was already adequately served.
Mr. Tuffee further intimated that the position was so little different
than last year that the application should be refused.
Mr. Stratton endorsed the observations of Mr. Tuffee, and mentioned that
the "Don Cossack" was being reconstructed at a cost of £6.000.
Mr. Miskin spoke of crowded licensed houses in the City, and suggested
that there were already more than necessary for the population. He
contended that the only application that should be considered was one
for a removal of licences to follow a population if it had moved out.
Mr. Taylor suggested that if the Bench found that the new licence was
necessary, and he thought it was not, the applicant might give up a
redundant licence in the centre of the City.
The Rev. Brakenrig said that he deprecated the policy that, immediately
new housing estates came into being, there should be the desire to have
new public-houses there almost before shops were built. “We do feel that
there is a certain danger to the young life of the City if these
facilities are increased, to make them more easily fall into the way of
bad habits, he stated.
After the Bench had deliberated in private, the Chairman said that they
had given careful consideration to the matter, and could not see their
way to grant the application.
POLICE REPORTS.
Presenting his annual report on licensing matters, Superintendent
Hickmott said there were 140 ale houses, 106 beer houses and 36 persons
licensed to sell wines, spirits and beers "off." These figures compared
with 139, 107 and 37 respectively last year. Among the changes during
the year, The "Cricketers" had been granted a full licence and No. 108.
Palmerston-road, Chatham, had not been renewed. The licensed premises
generally had been well conducted. There were now 62 registered clubs in
the Division, an increase of two; five new ones had come into existence
and three had ceased to exist.
Reporting on the convictions for drunkenness during the year, the
Superintendent said there was a decrease of three as against 1937—"a
very satisfactory position." The figures since 1934 showed a general
tendency to decrease: 1934, 24; 1935, 12; 1936, 10; 1937, 14; and 1938,
11. Of those convicted, eight had been residents and three
non-residents; seven had been males and four females.
"The licensed premises have been exceedingly well conducted, concluded
the Superintendent," and the returns for drunkenness compare very
favourably with any part of the country."
The report for the Dartford Division was presented by Inspector P. J
Ambrose on behalf of Superintendent S Pollington. The total number of
licensed premises were 44, a decrease of one; there were 12 registered
clubs, an increase of one. Two persons had been proceeded against for
drunkenness, and both were non-residents. Congratulating the Police on
their reports, the Chairman (Mr. G. C. Swain) said that the licensed
victuallers in the area carried out their duties in a proper manner. He
hoped they would continue to do so.
"They all had good characters when they took their houses," commented
the Chairman, "and I should be sorry if they lost them."
TRIBUTE TO SUPERINTENDENT
Referring to the impending retirement of Superintendent Hickmott. Mr.
Swain said: During the time you have been Superintendent here we have
admired you for your straightforwardness If you have known anything
against a prisoner you have said it: if you have known anything in his
favour, you have said that. I hope all the young officers in the Force
to-day will emulate your example, and that if they get to the rank of
Superintendent they will do the same as you have done.
Expressing his appreciation at the Chairman's remarks. Superintendent
Hickmott said: "I have always tried to do my best, and it is
satisfactory to know that I have pleased."
LICENCE RENEWALS.
With the exception of the "British Volunteer," at Northfleet, which will
be dealt with at the adjourned session, all existing licences were
renewed and transfers granted. The Chairman announced that the adjourned
sessions would be held on March 6th.
Licences were granted in respect of the following premises:— "Railway
Refreshment Rooms," Chatham (licensee, Thomas Harry Rowe): "Port
Victoria Hotel and Railway Refreshment Rooms," Grain (licensee, Thomas
Harry Rowe): "Chatham Empire Theatre of Varieties," Chatham (licensee,
Roland John Bentley.)
Henry John Bretton was granted a certificate of suitability for a supper
extension in respect of the "Leather Bottle," Cobham.
Successful applications for wine on licences were made by:— Harry
Smitherman "Rose" Beerhouse, Broad Walk, Rainham; Arthur John Upton,
"Homeward Bound," Lower Halling, Hailing; William George Wood, "Burnt
Oak," 123, Gardiner-street, Gillingham: Thomas Thomason "Jolly
Caulkers," Batchelor-street, Chatham: Frederick J. Sullivan, "Two
Brothers," Military-road, Chatham: Barbara F. E. Crumbie, "Foresters’
Arms," 82, Henry-street, Chatham: George Cowell, "Amazon and Tiger," Harvel, Meopham; Sir Roger Wibrew, "Cricketers," Layfield-road,
Gillingham: Rosa Daniel. "Roseneath," Arden-street, Gillingham; William
F. Thomas, "Horn of Plenty," New-road, Chatham; Arthur L Pilcher.
"Tam-o'-Shanter," Chatham Hill; George E Hoggart. "Sanspariel,"
Home-street, Frindsbury Extra; Stephen W. Negus, "Rising Sun," Burnt
Oak-terrace, Gillingham; George H. Hilburn, "Shalders Arms." Pier-road,
Gillingham.
Solicitors who applied for the licences were Mr. R J. Brennan. Mr. F.
Miskin, Mr. W. H. Stratton, and Mr. M. V. Mackey.
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