Oakfield Hotel, Flinders Street, 1917

State Library Catalogue Reference: B 9021

On the south east corner of Flinders Street and Ackland Street. Established in 1851 as the Norwich Arms Inn, at 203 Flinders Street, it became the Oakfield in 1879. Closed in 1963. Demolished as part of Frome Road project of the 1960s. Ackland Street itself was part of this project and no longer exists.

“THE LICENSING COURT.
Oakfield Hotel Case.
The adjourned annual meeting the Licensing Court (Midland District) was held in the Deputation Room, Flinders-street, on Tuesday morning, when the bench was occupied by Messrs. R.G. Nesbit. S.M. (president), E. J. Thomas, and E. M. Sabine. S.M….
In the matter of an application by Mary Kroncke Oakfield Hotel, Adelaide for a renewal of license, Inspector Davey drew the attention of the court to two convictions against the applicant, one on October 18 1918 for having supplied liquor after hours, and the other on February 3, 1919, for having had persons unlawfully on-the hotel-premises on December25. Mr. Nesbit said- the evidence did not disclose any signs of trading.
Mr. Thomas—Only that-the husband took 10 minutes to open the door in response to the knocking and banging-of the police.
Mr. Smith said if that were a dereliction on the part of the husband, the court should not visit, vicarious punishment on the wife. The bar was in apple-pie order.
Mr. Thomas—A bar could very well be cleared up in 10 minutes
Mr. Smith said the licensing law was draconian in character, and required a defendant to prove his or her innocence, while British Criminal law demanded that an accusation against a person should be held to have "been proved before a conviction could result. The four, persons found in the Oakfield Hotel on December; 25 were there to obtain their Christmas dinner.
After further discussion the President said the court had come to the conclusion that there was no disability attaching to the applicant which would prevent her asking for a renewal. Her application would therefore take its place on the list for June 3. Meanwhile a permit-would be granted to allow her to continue her business.
Chief-Inspector Davey
The President remarked, that it might be assumed in some; quarters from the verdicts of the court that Chief-Inspector Davey was exceeding his duties in entering objections, to the granting of licenses, but the chief inspector could not help himself. He was compelled to take such objections, as the law: ordered him to do so.”
The Express and Telegraph, Wednesday 23 April 1919, p2

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