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Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9607, 5 September 1911, Page 8

A ratlicr important 'ciise came before the .Nelson .day or two ago. A defendant wits charged under section 11 of tho Shops'and Offices Act, 1908, with having failed to close his shop on tho statutory half-holiday. The in-, spector of Factories stated that he saw' defendant, hiid two- others driving along ono of-the''streets. Defendant got put' of the vehicle and called at a house. Ho gavo the occupant a small book and in-! formed her that he was tho agent of a sewing machine company. Prosecutor considered that section 20 of the Act prohibited canvassing on the half-holiday, and also s ection 26, which referred to hawkers. Tho defendant said'that on the afternoon in question he had to put up a machine and take it back to the shop where ho was employed. He had no machine with him which lie could have sold; at tho time, nor, any accessories. The: Inspector contended! that the defendant' was out canvassing- for orders on the occasion referred to and was ■ therefore liable- under tho Act. Tho Magistrate reserved his decision in view of the importance of tho case, to give linn an opportunity to consult authorities.