The decision, of Mr Justice Dennis ton in the case of Stanton v. James, reported in 19 N.Z.L.R. 392, is of great importance to hotelkeepers. The facts were as follows: On Sun day, 11th June, two persons left ChristcMzrch, where they had slept the night before, and travelled to New Brighton; a distance of more than three miles from Christchurch. They arrived at New Brighton at 11 a.m., and on their arrival obtained .refreshments at the hotel-there. They returned 1 at l^noon,aiid againut 8 p.nl; and ■:% p^m- the" same day to the same hotel/ and on each occasion de manded and obtained liquor. The Sti endiary Magistrate at Christchurch, Mr Beetham, S.M, refused to convict the licensee of the hotel, but on appeal to the Supreme Court Mr Justice Den niston held that the Magistrate was wroLg. In his judgment Mr Justice Denniston lays it down that a bona fide traveller can only obtain liquor "on arriving from a journey." No doubt, says the Judge, some interval might elapse between his arrival and his seeking refreshment; and what is a reasonable time is a question of fact for the Magistrate. I think it is im possible to hold that a man com pleting a journey at 11 a.m. is a bona fide traveller " seeking refreshment on,arriving from a journey' at 4 p.m. the same day.
Political Jottings.
By Ova Wellington Corresponded r,

[Special to the G-azette.]

Mr Monk (Waitemata) wants the Government to encourage the destruction of stoats and weasels by the tanners in the North, which are becoming too numerous up there.
