WHAT IS A “GOOD MEAL”?

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 February 1939, Page 9

WHAT IS A “GOOD MEAL”?

BREAD AND OYSTERS PRAISED

LONDON, January 16.

The question “What is a good meal?” was discussed by judges and counsel in a King’s Bench court during argument over the Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936. Sir William Jowitt, K.C., remarked. “I confess that I find it difficult to give the court much assistance as to what this Act really does mean.” The case was a test appeal by the L.C.C. against the dismissal of a prosecution against a Chelsea shop and restaurant keeper, Mr. Robert Lees. It was heard by Lord Hewart, the Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Charles and Mr. Justice Singleton. At 2 p.m. on a Sunday Mr. Lees sold chocolate eclairs, jam tarts, fruit cake, swiss roll and veal and ham pies. The L.C.C. contended that this was a breach of the Act. Schedule 2 of which forbids the sale after 10 a.m. of articles including bread, “flour confectionery,” groceries and fish.

The Westminister magistrate, Mr. Kenneth Marshall, held that, although the articles were within Schedule 2 they were also a “meal or refrehment,” which, under Schedule 1, can be sold all day.

Yesterday Mr. Geoffrey Hutchinson. for the L.C.C. contended that, if the thing that was sold was mentioned in Schedule 2 and was nothing else, it should not be taken into Schedule 1 because it might comprise part of something in that schedule. Mr. Justice Charles suggested that a hunk of bread and a glass of water might make a good meal. Therefore, the purchase of bread, which was ordinarily in Schedule 2, might bo. taken into Schedule 1. Two sardines might, also be a meal. yet. apparently, alone they could not be sold after 10 a.m. ‘‘■What about bread and ojstcis. he asked. “Together, or alone. I understand they can be a good meal.” Later. Mr. Justice Charles remarked “I see you can Imy an aeroplane all day Sunday, and at the same time > cRn <’tJj piece of tripe. Eut vnu can’t bur fh:h and chips all day. You Van have trine, toffee-cream. mi-’.'ir eonfoi tionery. and finish "-ith an ice cream, and that would be perfectly lawful." Lord Hewart: Are the people who have to understand this Act small shopkeepers? Sir William Jowitt said he appeared for a traders' association ied io observe the Act when thej ! could understand it. He submitted | that so long as the article was read?'for eomsumption. then it was a “meal . or refreshment."

Lord Hewart said the case was a difficult one, and judgment was reserved.