At a sitting of the Licensing Court in Port Macquarie on Wednesday last, licences to serve liquor in restaurants were granted to the El Paso and Beachfront motels.

Mr Robert Daryl Pead was granted the licence for the El Paso, and Mr Adrian Charles Molloy, for the Beachfront. In both cases there were objections to the granting of the licences.

Edward T. Bryant objected to the granting of the licence to the El Paso; Edward T. Bryant, John L. Halls, and the District Licensing Inspector objected to the granting of a licence to the Beachfront. Lengthy evidence was heard before permits were granted.

Mr P. Johnson, instructed by Barkell and Peacock, appeared for Robert Pead; Mr D. Donovan for the objector, Mr. Bryant. After evidence the application was amended to delete the word “conditional” and the permit was granted by the Licensing Magistrate, Mr N.G. Woods.

The permit was endorsed “to allow a reception area in the location shown on the plan subject to the following condition: seating to be provided for twelve persons, seven on bar stools, five on lounge chairs at two coffee tables, until such time as any alteration in that seating is approved by the court.”

Mr Woods, after evidence, granted a conditional restaurant permit for the Star Gazer” restaurant at the Beachfront Motel. Mr D. Donovan appeared for the applicant, A. C. Molloy, and Mr. N. W. Joscelyne for the objectors - E. T. Bryant and J. L. Halls.

Rural Co-op expands

The Rural Co-op has opened a new butcher’s shop in its Munster Street premises. It is the second butcher’s shop set up by the society, the first being opened in Horton Street four years ago. Mr. Vince Tobin is managing both shops, looking after purchasing, inspecting and general supervision, while Mr. Alan Milne, with a junior assistant is located in the new shop. The Co-Op’s secretary- manager, Mr Bart Hansford said that since the shop was opened on February 9, sales have been even better than expected. He said customers were being attracted by easier parking and free home deliveries.

Jack Steep re-elected as president

A record attendance of 141 members voted 96 to 45 to return Mr. J. H. Steep as President at Friday night’s annual meeting of the Port Macquarie Sub-branch of the Returned Services League. Mr Steep, who now commences his third consecutive term as president, defeated former Sub-branch secretary, Mr W. Wilson for the position. First elected in 1950, Mr Steep has completed ten terms as president. In his annual report Mr Steep said the Sub-branch achieved record membership in 1967, when the 1966 figure of 515 members rose to 532 including 39 associate members. Drs N.E. McLaren and V.H. Hegarty were re-elected unopposed as patrons.

Hotels embraced

Port Macquarie’s Motel Association has changed its name. It will now be known as Port Macquarie Motel-Hotel Proprietors’ Association. This was decided upon at the Association’s monthly meeting last week. At the same meeting the association decided to seek the support of the Tourist Promotion Committee in another visit from editors of country newspapers in July.