Change In Late Night For Riccarton Refused

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27466, 28 September 1954, Page 6

Change In Late Night For Riccarton Refused

The applications by two Riccarton shopkeepers for partial exemption from the provisions of the Shops and Offices Act to allow them to have the late night on Thursday instead of Friday have been refused by Mr L. N. Ritchie, S.M.

The applicants were the Riccarton Hardware Company, Ltd. (Mr A. C. Perry), and Straven Gowns, Ltd. (Mr H. P. Smith). Mr H. W. Hunter and Mr D. I. N. Mac Lean appeared at the hearings in the Magistrate’s Court for a number of shopkeepers opposing the application. Mr B. A. Barrer appeared for the Retail Shop Assistants’ Union.

“It seems that the only persons who might benefit if the proposed exemption is granted are the applicant shopkeepers themselves and possibly some, but not all, of the shop assistants in the area. Certainly the general public will benefit little if at all,’’ said the Magistrate giving his decision yesterday.

“To have approximately one-half of the shops observing one late night and

the other halt a different late night can only lead to unfair competition and confusion. “As there is very substantial objection raised by no less than 23 other shopkeepers in the Riccarton borough, this cannot be passed over lightly. “Here we have two businessmen, both applicants, and seven other persons who gave evidence for the applicants. No evidence was adduced in their favour from any organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Businessmen’s Association, or from any women’s organisation, or from any large body of people in the area,” said the Magistrate. “On the other hand, a representative of the Shop Assistants’ Union gave evidence in opposition, as did seven other witnesses. “I hold that it has not been proved that in the public interest the applications for exemption should be. granted. The applications will accordingly be refused." said the Magistrate,