PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20564, 15 May 1930, Page 10

PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO.

WHETHER A SHOP OR NOT. COURT HEARS ARCUMENT. [cy TELEGRAPH, —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] PLYMOUTH, Wednesday. The hearing took place to-day of tlio charge against Albert Prescott of a.breach of the Shops and Offices Act, by failing lo close In's photographer's shop on tho afternoon of Saturday, April 12, the day of the statutory half-holiday. Tho premises concerned were in Devon Street, and the question was whether a photo graphic studio came within the definition in the Shops and Offices Act, and was required to bo closed on tho weekly halfholiday. Defendant pleaded not guilty and was represented by Mr. A. A. Bennett, ahd Mr. G. It. A. Whiting, inspector of awards, represented the Labour Department. Mr. Whiting said business was commenced in New Plymouth on April 8. He himself had seen Mr. Prescott and told him what the closing hours wero. Defendant said he could' not observe tho hours, as most of his business was done in tho evening. Ono of tho inspectors had called on a Saturday afternoon and had his photograph taken, for which ho paid 2.s 6d. Mr. Bennett, said ho did not intend to call any evidence and he asked for tlio dismissal of tho information, on , the ground that the premises were not a shop within the meaning of tho Act. Prima I'aeio a shop Was a place in which goods wero stored and offered for sale. Most of the defendant's business was done in tho evenings, .and if he had to closo then his business would largely lie gone. Tho defendant's business was not that of supplying goods, but was a contract of service. • ■ .Judgment was reserved.