Christchurch Shops Claimed Not Up To Standard

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31782, 12 September 1968, Page 9

Christchurch Shops Claimed Not Up To Standard

As a general rule, shops In Christchurch are getting away with standards not even up to the spirit of those laid down by the Government in the Shops and Offices Act, 1855, says the first issue of “Inshop,” the official journal of the Canterbury Shop Assistants’ Union.

This act, says the journal, stipulates that shops shall provide toilets, drinking water, washing facilities, accommodation for clothing, and seating.

The journal says that New Zealand, and especially Canterbury, is falling behind in the standard of new shop construction. “International standards now consider that shops should provide, in addition to most amenities, ‘suitable facilities for changing, leaving, and drying clothing which is not worn at work’ ” says “Inshop.”

“New Zealand has neither adopted nor endorsed the United Nations Standard, though we have asked the Government to do so,” it says. Shop Construction

The journal says that the Shop Assistants’ Union has investigated the state of shop construction in Christchurch, and finds that construction ranges from inferior to excellent. Recent city buildings had brought forward the arcadestyle of shops—which clearly illustrated the main weakness of the Government regulations.

“These shops have been constructed with the object of achieving the maximum ground-floor selling space combined with the greatest number of small shops. They

are usually cut to minimum size, and many look like a box with a window front.” The journal says that this type of shop-construction results in shop assistants not being able to remove themselves from the public gaze. Shop assistants, it says, have no separate place to hang their coats or sit down. There are no toilets, and little freedom to attend toilets, especially in sole-charge shops. Many of the shops have no washing or drinking facilities. The lunch room and locker arrangements, communal style, are usually cut to a bare minimum. That staff of some arcadetype shops have no soap or water when they soil their hands is another of the journal’s criticisms. Union policy, says the journal, is a toilet and running water in every shop. Perimeter Complexes

Shopping complexes on the perimeter of Christchurch, says the journal, are somewhat better. Riccarton Mall and Northlands reveal a larger type of shop, more separate staff and store room, running water, and in places air conditioning. A certain measure of communal amenities still exists in toilet and washing facilities. One large Christchurch shopping centre. Bishopdale, has been constructed in accord with the union specifications, says “Inshop.” “This large new area can boast a toilet for every shop,” it says. “There is also running water in each and every shop. “The area is not crammed, is well-designed, and looks

attractive. It may be significant that Bishopdale has been planned and organised by the housing division of the Ministry of Works and the Waimairi County Council. “This is a local authority which can see further than the mere commercial speculation. There has now been built up a lasting asset to the community, containing the highest staff standards. “This example is certainly a model which the Shop Assistants’ Union would like to see other areas follow.”