Journal Criticises Changes In Act

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31061, 17 May 1966, Page 18

Journal Criticises Changes In Act

The Government had altered the Shops and Offices Act, in such a way as to get around the Court of Arbitration’s decision in respect of Christmas week, says the latest issue of “Clerical News,” the official journal of the Clerical Workers’ Union.

“It went much further and provided a way in which shops could be opened for two late nights during every week of the year,” the journal says. “We are gravely concerned about this new legislation, its effects and the policies of some retailers’ associations.

“Clerical workers in land agencies, motor-vehicle firms and numerous others, may also be required to work during extended hours.”

In a telephone interview yesterday, the secretary of the Auckland branch of the Clerical Workers’ Union (Mr D. Jacobs) said that the amendment to the act opened the way much wider for extended shopping hours. Before the new act, there was never any legal right to have more than one late night in a week, he said. The next act, said Mr Jacobs, could be interpreted as allowing two late nights in any week of the year. But the parties concerned would still have to agree to a second late night. The “Clerical News” said that although many people appreciated the convenience of shopping in the evenings and on Saturdays, the majority of New Zealanders did not wish to work outside the Monday to Friday week. Also, they did not wish to be obliged to regularly work in the evenings. “They will be obliged to do so, if a few retailers in the retail industry, greedy for greater profits, have their way,” the journal said.

“If shopping hears are to be extended, cashiers, credit clerks and others will be required to work during extended hours.

Sydney Eisteddfod.—The 1966 City of Sydney Eisteddfod will be held from September 12 to September 24. Besides the usual sections in choral, vocal, instrumental, drama, speech and dancing a new series of four contests has been included this year for the classic guitar. Entries close on June 30 and the syllabus is available from the Eisteddfod office, 250 Pitt street, Sydney.