WAITRESSES WORKING LATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23221, 19 June 1937, Page 24

WAITRESSES WORKING LATE

CAFE PROPRIETRESS CHARGED MAGISTRATE WITHHOLDS PENALTY The difficulties imposed on restaurant proprietors by the present legislation governing the hours of work of their employees were again emphasised in the City Police Court yesterday morning, when Elizabeth Johnston pleaded guilty to a charge of employing females after hours in a restaurant. Mr C. M. Barnett appeared for the defendant. This was one of the cases in which restaurant proprietors felt that they were done an injustice, said Inspector A. Smiley, of the Department ot Labour. They had approached the Minister for relief, but although they were hoping that something would be done, in the meantime the law had to be observed. The defendant had been previously convicted on similar charges.

Mr Barnett said that the defend ant was charged as the proprietress of the Cafe Vedic. The two earlier offences referred to by the inspector were not committed before i.he formation of the present company. The facts of the case—that waitresses were serving at table at 10.40 p.m.— were admitted, but Mr Barnett said that he proposed to put before the magistrate some of the difficulties under which restaurant proprietors were working. The magistrate: I understand the position, but the law has to be administered as it is.

Mr Barnett: The position is that if the inspector could find male waiters there would be no difficulties; but they are not obtainable. If the restaurants had to close down at 10.30 p.m., evening business would not be worth while. Representations have been made to the Minister, and it is known that the matter is under review, and that this particular section’of the Act is being considered Since this portion of the legislation will probably be amended, I would ask for leniency. There had been no hardship on the waitresses. Another similar case had been adjourned until July 2, and the magistrate adjourned the question of penalty in this case until the same date.