Mil James, 8.M., presiding at the annual meeting of tho Licensing Com mittee, is reporlcd to hove objected to the term" fairly conducted," as applied to hotels in tho police reports—if such plirase indicated that thero was some thing objectionable in tko conduct of tho houses, and evoked discussion by tho Committee, tho liceuseo not having been notiliod of objections. We hoartily commend Mr James for this timely and appropriate action—which was entirely in keeping with his own high reputation and tho best traditions of tho Bench. Tho phrase," fairly conducted," is a most unsatisfactory one, suggesting as it does that there arc objcctionablo features in the conduct of a licensed house, though so insignificant in the oyes of the police as not to call for censuro or complaint, It is equal to a verdict of "Not Guilty, but don't do it again." Mr James' remarks aro sure to havo a salutary influence and secure fair play all round. If there arc any objectionable features in the con duct of a licensed house, the police

should aisle lliom, nnd lonvo tho Bench to docido m to tlicir importonoo. Iho polico should bo rolioved of nil rospon aibility in this direction. Ihoir responsibility lies in faithfully report ing all that moots thoir' j they need not altompl to discriminate, that is dearly tho Cominiltoo's duly; and, whenever any nolo of objection occurs in n police report, tho grounds of it should bo fairly stated, nnd tho liccusoc notified ordor that no mo dular discussion, prejudicial to tho interost of tho licensee, may take place. Mr James will hayo tho hearty support and approval of all lovers of fair-play, whatever may be thoir sentiments on tho liquor question in tho abstract.
