SHOPS’ CLOSING HOURS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28080, 22 September 1956, Page 12

SHOPS’ CLOSING HOURS

REVOKING OF EXEMPTION ORDER REFUSED

(New Zealana Press Association) TIMARU, September 21. An application for the revocation of orders granting exemption from Saturday closing-hour provisions was dismissed by Mr E. A. Lee, S.M., in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court today in a reserved decision after a defended hearing. The application was made by the Canterbury Retail Grocers’ Assistants and Drivers’ Union in respect of Orari and Winchester stores, the occupiers of the stores being represented by Mr B. J. Petrie. The application was on the grounds that, by virtue of their positions on the main south highway, and their nearness to shops at Temuka and at Geraldine, the occupiers of these shops were in an advantageous position to obtain Saturday trade, prejudicial to the interests of other storekeepers whose premises were not so exempted. There was no evidence from the occupier of any other shop that he was affected, and no evidence that the question of public interest had so changed as to justify the Court reviewing the previous decisions made some years ago, said the Magistrate in his decision.