SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 166, 9 April 1921, Page 7

SIX O’CLOCK CLOSING

APPLICATIONS FOR EXEMPTION.

Several applications for exemption from 6 o’clock closing tinder the latest amendment to the Shops and Offices Act, came before Mr. H. W. Bundle, S.M., yesterday. Mrs. Noon, draper, Courtenay Place, applied for exemption, and stated she was losing business. Mr. R. T. Bailey pointed out that there were several shops doing a similar kind of business in the immediate neighbourhood, and these were satisfied with existing conditions of closing. The falling off in trade was due more to the general depression than G o'clock closing. Mr. Bundle stated, in giving judgment, that the application was made on the ground, of .unclue hardship, but as Mr. Bailey had; very fairly pointed out the falling off in trade was due more to the general depression than to the 6 o’clock closing. Unless special haraship was established applications would be refused. “I do not think that the application is one that should be granted," remarked: His Worship. M. Clayton, mercer, Willis Street, was the next applicant for exemption. His application was refused, tho Magistrate observing that no special hardship had been shown. The shop was in the centre of the' town, and very special circumstances would have to be brought forward.

The application of Mrs. White, ladies’ outfitter. Cuba Street, was similarly dealt with, the Magistrate observing that there was no evidence forthcoming of except i onal ci rcu ms tan ces. Applications from W. Power, grocer, Taranaki Street; J. Tpsman, bookseller mid tobaccoiiist, Molesworth Street; and S. Kay, mercer, Manners Street, were withdrawn.