STREET HAWKERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 252, 12 July 1918, Page 6

STREET HAWKERS

* A NICE POINT INDICATED. In the coursij of the annual report of the chief inspector (Mr. James Doyle) occurs the following reference to the law of hawking in Hie city streets:— "The amendment of by-law No. 1, 1008, doing away with the right, of licensed hawkers to occupy stands ill the street, lias not proved an advantage. The bylaw has not proved an advantage. The by-la,w as amended provides: "That it is nn offenco for any licensed hawker lo stand or remain stationary in any street or public place save and except for such reasonable time as is required for the transaction of his business with any customer." Therefore if the liawkcr had an attractive display of cheap fruit, he might stand, in any street, tor an indefinite time without contravening tho hawkers' by-law. Of course, this could not bo permitted in, say, Willis Street, Manners Street, or Cuba Street, which are barely wide enough for ordinary traf- , lie. "A glut of fruit this year has had the effect of inducing u considerable number of men to take up the business of hawking, and I have allotted stands (by ballot) arranged in the most suitable positions, having regard to traffic and the proximity of fruit shops. I might say that I discussed ihe matter with the Superintendent of Police, and he is also of the opinion thai it is better to havo the men stationed in approved posiiions, than to have them parading the streets. Tho present, arrangement is for three months and in the meantime I would suggest that tho amendment of 1915 be reconsidered."