THE LAW CRIES "STOP."

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13737, 31 May 1913, Page 2

THE LAW CRIES "STOP."

"You can't have ice-cream; you've had two. courses already." This was tho verdict of tho Portia-like waitress *at the Civil Service Stores (says the "Sydney Daily Telegraph"). Then sheadded: "See! Here's the rulo," and she indicated a fly-leaf on tho menu which Ijore tho tragic legend: "To comply with tho conditions of the recent industrial award, a meal of not more than two courses will bo served in this tea room." Tho man, who had a penchant for Sicilian bombs, gasped: "What! Do you mean to say that the law is going to restrict my appetite P Oh, this is too much. Tho law will starve mo. It doesn't understand my appetite. I'vo only had soup and curried whitebait. I'll pay double, for an ice-cream." But Portia was adamant. "No," she said severely, "the law ( says. you've finished. Here's your ticket." Portia's verdict was upheld by the higher tribunal, tho manager of tho establishment. "Having had two courses, you can't get a third course bore for love or money—short of-buy-ing out this establishment, lock, stock, and barrel." It was explained that, two courses meant that the premises worn classed as tea-rooms, while three courses constituted them a restaurant, and required that tho waitresses be paid (is. Gd. per week 7nore. The bomb-lover, walked sadly away, wonder ■ ing whether he could solve tho difficulty himself. If ho settled his bill for two courses and then walked throe times round his table, would lie be a new customer ?