“TONSORIAL ARTISTS.”

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17493, 29 August 1928, Page 6

“TONSORIAL ARTISTS.”

WISH TO WORK LONGER. APPLICATIONS BEFORE COURT. SOME QUAINT ALLUSIONS. Some illuminating opinions on the habit of hairdressers’ customers as well as amusing references to certain suburban areas in Hamilton were made in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court this morning during the hearing of hairdressers’ applications for exemption from observing certain hours under the Shops and Offices Act. Customers who visited barbers with more or less regularity were called to give evidence concerning their opinions of the class of trade and the convenience of certain hours for tonsorial attention. A Claudelands saloon-keeper said his customers were mostly working men. “ Do you think Claudelands people will like to know that they belong to a working-class district?" asked Mr. Speight, when an application for extension of opening hours was made. Witness replied that he was of the opinion that the portion between School Gully and Grey Street was occupied by working folks. Counsel: Is not Claudelands a very fashionable area, and do not the residents have their hair cut in Hamilton? Witness: Yes. Mr. W. J. King subsequently stated that he thought Hamilton East was undoubtedly the working quarter of the town, in spite of Mr. Speight’s contentions. An “ Aristocratic ” Road. Mr. Speight replied that he River Road was “ aristocratic,’- 1 but not necessarily the whole of Claudelands. Later His Worship agreed that business men were able to get a shave or a haircut during business hours. Working men, on the other hand, might “ get the sack ” if they took time off for a haircut. (Laughter.) Mr. Seymour asked a witness if men went for a sjiave, or haircut after 5 p.m. Witness replied that a great many men could only receive attention after work. Mr. Seymour expressed the opinion that these men visited the hotels as soon as possible after 5 p.m. Mr. Seymour: You claim the right to cut, the hair of the workers of Hamilton East ?—Yes. If all barbers in the suburbs —say at Maeroa or Whitiora —have a certain clientele what about the main street hairdressers? —There are bank clerks and professional men for them. Mr, Seymour: You think there are a sufficient number of them. —Yes. Another witness told counsel that after 5 p.m. he went home to get clean before going for a haircut. When he ws dirty and black lie didn’t feel it right to go into a saloon. Mr. Seymour: How many men are dirty and black? Witness: All working men. Mr. Seymour: Apparently that is your definition of a working man. A Moving Population. The secretary of the Hairdressers’ Assistants’ Union stated that he thought at least half’the population of Hamilton went over the river to hairdressers after 5 p.m., as they could not« get served in Victoria Street. Ilis Worship: What is the population of Hamilton? Witness: About 17,000. The secretary later stated that at least four Hamilton East customers visited the shop in Victoria Street at which he worked regularly. William Arthur Jordan said the majority of his customers were working men. He refused Maoris aud “ drunks,” but did not turn away men in working clothes. The majority of men shaved themselves nowadays, and most of his customers had haircuts. He often sent customers over the river as he could not attend to them, and knew one or two men who returned well shaven. He had been a hairdresser for 43 years and he firmly believed early closing was necessary for a strong and virile race. If the extensions of. time were granted to the Hamilton East hairdressers his business would not be .seriously affected, but he did not favour the precedent. In replv to Mr. Seymour, His Worship said it was unnecessary- to direct evidence on public interest, but only on the effect on other businesses Mr. Seymour asked Mr. Jordan wlierc he would prefer to have a business in Frankton Or Hamilton East. Witness': I think I would prefer L» drive a coal-cart. (Laughter.) Small and Big Fry. John Parlane, hairdresser, Victoria cjreet in reply to Mr. King, said he Ejected to the principle of extension of hours, but not to the individual apMr Jordan Mr. Michcll and Mr. Cann are looked upon as the big men of the trade . Witness: I don’t know. Mr. King: Well, you make a fair bit out, of it. You are not small fry like th Witn P ess“w2ll, I think small fry can make as . much as the bi o fry. (Laughter.) (Proceeding.)