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The Nelson Photo News

 

36

New Zealand Grows Up

Those Nelsonians who voted with the majority of New Zealanders for an extension of the licensing hours were quick to take advantage of the later closing facilities. For many of those we saw during our "photographic pub crawl", it was a chance to get out to see who was getting out - and to have a quiet drink in pleasant surroundings. The point that struck us most forcibly was that hotels with the lounge facilities were getting more trade than those with less. In most cases the public bars were but sparsely patronised, mainly by unaccompanied men. In the lounge bars there were as many women, if not more, than men. For the licensees there were mixed blessings. True, they were freed from the ever-present danger of explaining to the large gentlemen in blue who ring only once on the doorbell that the 50 people in the bar were the guests of an Auckland traveller. But union problems regarding hours of work and payment for such caused a few problems before the barmen themselves told the union officials what they were going to do. In the main, the first night of 10 o' clock closing passed without any untoward Incident. There was music in most bars, singing certainly, and cards, darts and other games were being played in most hotels. The later closing hours have been accepted by the people in the manner in which we left certain they would - calmly, reasonably and in an adult manner.

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In the Bush Tavern we found Bill Fern, Neville Braden, John Godsbury and Jim Cuthbert playing a little euchre.

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Surprise, surprise for the Metropolitan Hotel patrons when Katie Scott, of Dunollie, took her cello to the party and she was asked to play.

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The music-makers at the Wakatu Hotel, Frank Norris and Barrie Gill

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At the Tasman Tavern, Tao Mia was playing darts

37

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During the evening Chief Inspector Harry Squires and his deputy, Senior Sergeant Ted Clarke, took a quiet stroll around the hotels in mufti (they seemed pleased with what they saw).

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The Prince Albert Hotel began to fill up about 8.30

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Counter lunch was provided at the Wakatu and this is sampled by Len Lambert, John Viksne and Ron Gunn.

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In most cases it was an evening out together for husband and wife