BEAUTY PARLOUR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 July 1924, Page 16

BEAUTY PARLOUR.

PUPIL OR, EMPLOYEE. INTERESTING CASE. (BY TELUGUAPH —PKESS ASSOCIATION.'. PALMERSTON N., July 3. An interesting law point respecting the question of the employment of a young woman in a Palmerston beauty parlour, was argued in the Magistrate's Court. On an information laid by the . Inspector of Factories. Madame Currie, hair specialist, Broadway, appeared before Air. J. L. Stout, S.M. Defendant was charged with a breach of the Shop and Offices Act “That being the occupier of a shop, she did receive premium m respect of the employment of Margaret Flossie Martin, single, of AYanganui, assistant hair dressing and toilet specialist.”

A civil action was also brought by Miss Martin against Madame Currie for the recovery of the sum of £25, being part payment of a, premium agreed to be paid by her to Airs. Currie. Aliss Martin came to Aladame Currie to learn the business of hairdressing and toilet specialist, and agreed to pay a premium of £SO. of which £25 was paid “on the nail,” the balance to be produced at the end of three months.

The Inspector of Factories argued that the toilet room was a shop within the meaning of the Shops and Offices Act, inasmuch as certain goods were offered for sale, and were actually sold there. The fact of Aliss Alartin being employed there made her a “shop assistant” within the meaning of the Act. Also, under the Factories Act, it was illegal for Aladame Currie to accept a premium.

For the defence, it was contended that Aliss Alartin was not an assistant, but merely a pupil. She was not an employee of defendant, inasmuch as she was not subject- to discipline or control by Aladame Currie, and could please herself as to the hours R he worked. It was further contended that to bring a person within the terms of the Act”as except in certain specified cases, for the employment to be for hire or reward. After hearing argument, the .magistrate reserved his decision. 1

A further action, by way of counterclaim by Aladame Currie against Aliss Alartin, to recover the payment of the balance of £25, was adjourned pending the decision of the magistrate on the charge laid by the Inspector of Factories. The magistrate stated that both actions would hinge unon his decision as to the legality of the acceptance of a premium.