SHOPS IN THE SUBURBS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 6

SHOPS IN THE SUBURBS

STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF LAW NO SELLING AFTER HOURS The law enforcing closing hours on shops, suburban as well as urban, is being strictly enforced in Wanganui. A suburban shop has nearly always been looked upon as a happy-go-lucky place of business where forgetful housewives may redeem their reputations. or where men may purchase luxuries at any old time, on Sundays as well as ordinary week days. But the status of these shops seems likely to undergo a change. There are two sides to the question, of course. Centrally situated places of business have their definied hours for opening and closing, and the law is very strict. If lattitude is permitted the suburban retailer he is looked upon as gaining a very unfair advantage at the expense of the retailer proprietors in the central portion of 'T the city. ’ A third viewpoint enters into the matter, however, that of the general public. There is not the slightest doubt that the average suburban dweller enjoys a feeling of greater enjoyment and security if he can jus', run over the road in his slippers and replenish a short supply of tobacco foi the week-end, a thing he intended doing before leaving town but forgot. He is even prepared to pay a higher price to get his requirement. Some suburban shop keepers do not like being made a convenience of in that way, but a majority realise that they are looked upon as a necessity to suburban life and they fsel that the law should be lukewarm towards them. A majority of the public probably agree in that respect, but, unfortunately, the law should be as gloriously fair as it is all powerful. If the retailer who was lo close his premises in the central portion of the town resents another retailer in the suburbs being allowed greater freedom under the self-same law, nobody can take exception to it. The law is not jt to make fish of one and fowl of other. But the law should be in accord with the wishes of the majority and the burning question is: Does the public favour some wider lattitude being afforded the suburban shopkeeper? Perishable goods, such as fruit, milk and dairy produce are not affected and that is a boon greatly appreciated, but the law is very strict about having the grocery establishment of a combined dairy and store securely locked on holidays. Matters are acute at Castlecliff beach at present. “I wanted to buy a box of matches to light a primus stove with and was firmly ref used,’’said a Wanganui patron of the beach last Sunday. “I admit I forgot to bring matches. Perhaps The fault, in the first instance was mine, but it seems a pity if matters are to be so rigid here. I can name other beaches where the facilities for purchasing ihat sort of thing are advertised, and there is a holiday freedom about It all.” That man is in full accord with the opinion that the law is an ass.