SELLING AFTER HOURS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3657, 19 October 1912, Page 5

SELLING AFTER HOURS

BREACH OF SHOPS AND OFFICES' ACT.

John Benjamin Davidge, proprietor of the Strand Cafe, was proceeded against at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday by William Henry Westbrooke, Inspector of Factories, for keeping his shop open after 3. o’clock on the afternoon of September 26, such day being the statutory halfholiday. The Inspector stated that although previously warned, Davidge had kept open ’after 1 o’clock on the date in question and had sold cigarettes. Mr Kirk appeared for the defendant, and stated that Davidge was under the impression that he was acting within his rights, and wanted the present case made a test one. A case had been brought against the previous proprietor of the cafe, which had fallen through, and Mr. Davidge, being under the impression that the present case was similar, considered lie was within his rights. On going into the case he (Mr Ivirk) had foun'd that it was not at all analogous to the previous one. As a breach had been • committed, he had advised Mr Davidge,Jo plead guilty. His Worship said that shopkeepers must obey the law, and close their premises on the statutory closing day. A fine of £l, with costs 7s, would be imposed.