At Thursday’s Court of Petty Sessions, Edward Thomas Bryant was fined $100 with $2 court costs, for making alterations to the Macquarie Hotel without authority.

The eastern section of the hotel, next to the two new shops, had been converted into a drive-in bottle department. Defendant pleaded guilty to the charge; he was represented by Mr. D. Donovan.

Sergeant R. Plain said that on March 2, 1967, he found the eastern section of the hotel premises had been altered. On inspecting the records, he found that on October 5, 1966, he had been given permission to de-license a section of the eastern end, but did not include this section, which included a bedroom, male and female bathrooms and male and female toilets. These rooms now no longer existed.

On March 14, he again visited the premises with Inspector Wild, from Sydney. Defendant told the inspector that it was going to be his drive-in bottle department. He said he did not have permission to make the alterations, saying: “I have a lot to do here. If I made application for everything, I would never get it done.”

Mr. Donovan told the court that defendant had lodged an application on February 1, to make the alterations. This application was opposed. In fining defendant, Mr. K. Rodey, said he was more concerned about defendant’s attitude than the effect of his actions.

An application for material alterations to the Macquarie Hotel was withdrawn and dismissed. Mr. Donovan said the application was withdrawn due to objections by the licensing inspector.

Municipal Questions

Ald. Midson asked for a sign at the historical cemetery, and mentioned ponding at Dr. McLaren’s corner.

The engineer told Ald. Crisp that the Lands Department inspected Town Beach six weeks ago in relation to Mr. Paice’s application for a lease to build his kiosk.

Ald. Brien mentioned a pothole in Bridge St., east of Lord Street. Ald. Gott asked that the Fernhill Road be closed for one day, to allow a resident to coat his home with a plastic compound without the dust nuisance.

He also asked that damage to Mr. Fred Johnson’s lawn by council equipment be repaired.

Ald. Crisp asked for a guide post in Church Street, at the Lord Street intersection, to be moved back, and a pot-hole filled.

Ald. Adams asked that estate agents consider some areas with a northerly aspect close to town that would be suitable for a reptile park.

He said these could be shown to Mr. Eric Worrell if the site offered by Teitzel Peach Gravel Company is not suitable.

Looking at girls

A young man came before Mr. K. Rodey, S.M., at Thursday’s Court of Petty Sessions on a negligent driving charge after he collided with two stationary cars near the Macquarie Lounge.

Karl Maxwell Underwood of Pembroke, pleaded guilty; he was fined $20, with $2 court costs. Defendant told police: “I was near the Macquarie Lounge when my mate sang out, next thing I hit a couple of cars. My mate was standing on the footpath near the lounge; I was not paying much attention. I was looking at the girls.”