A TEST CASE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 126, 21 February 1919, Page 6

A TEST CASE

v CONCERNING CLOSING HOURS. By Telegraph—Press Association. , Timaru, February 20. Mr. V. G. Day, S.M., gave decision today in a test case, which i 6 said to affect all' towns of the pominion. Twelve grocers were summoned by the Labour JJepnrtmeilt for failing to close on New Year's Eve at seven, the hour fixed by requisition. Reference was made to the I decision of a Judge that "evening in i the Shops Act meant after sunset. Ihe amendment of the Act by the War Regulations Act of last session, was intended to remove the doubt 'as to what wa9 'meant! by "evening." The amendment Kays' "Evening shall be deemed to be the time of tho day not earlier than five -o'clock in the afternoon," and that is to I «pply to all existing requisitions. Mr. I Day held that it does not apply, but ! that ''not earlier" limits the application ito the night, on which 'the sun sets be- ! fore fivo o'clock. He.dismissed one case ! and adjourned the rest to enable the Labour Department to appeal if it deems I fit. IT is understood that if this decision is correct it is doubtful whether any ' requisition in (the Dominion in reference I to clpsins hours has any value.