TRADING ON SUNDAYS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19736, 8 September 1927, Page 14

TRADING ON SUNDAYS.

CONCERN OF PRESBYTERY.

GREATER SUPERVISION URGED. LONG-STANDING EXEMPTIONS. [m TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUNEDIN. Wednesday. "In view of the amount of Sunday trading that is taking place the Presbytery invites the supervision of the.police in making a close inquiry and watch over shops which are doing business on Sundays." On tho suggestion of the Public Questions Committee the Dunedin Presbytery at its meeting yesterday passed this resolution. The Rev. Dr. E. N. Merrington said the question had exercised their minds for some time. It had been felt that the inroads ol' commercialism into Sundays were increasing. Recently a deputation from the Council of Christian Congregations had waited on the superintendent of police and asked if it were possible to regulate or suppress the traffic in motor luel und sundries on Sunday. The superintendent of police pointed out that everything connected with the travelling of tho public was exempted. The motor garages took the place of the old livery stables. The question of shops had been raised and the superintendent had explained that the law allowed provision shops to provide food and soft drinks to be consumed on the premises, but not for taking away from the shop. "Tho old idea of the victualling and travelling of tho people has come down through the ages," said Dr. Merrington. "Unfortunately, it is stated that many things are purchased on Sundays and taken away from the shops, which is against the law." On behalf of the committee, he moved that the recommendation be accepted. "It was felt by some that no private individuals could be expected to act as spies or informers in this matter," said Dr. Merrington, "and it was decided to bring before the police the necessity for closer supervision to this purchasing and carrying away on Sundays in contravention of the law."

Th,? Rev. Hector Mac Lean: Who is breaking the law—the shop folks or the people carrying away the goods ? Dr. Merrington: The shops. The motion was carried.