PUBLIC CONVENIENCES

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 9

PUBLIC CONVENIENCES

EARLY CLOSING HOURS MAGISTRATE SUGGESTS EXTENSION Adverse comment on the practice of closing public conveniences at 11 o’clock at night was made by Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M., in the Court this morning during the hearing of charges against two men of casting offensive matter in a city street. “It is an absolute absurdity that they should be closed at that nour,” remarked the Magistrate, who suggested to Mr E. J. King, sanitary inspector of the City Council, that if it was deemed necessary the council should consider extending the hours of opening conveniences in the city. The casting of offensive matter, especially by strangers to the city, had been tho subject of many complaints, especially from business people, said Sergeant O’Shea, who added that access to the conveniences in the Octagon and at the Exchange could be gained by stepping over the top of the gates. Mr Bundle asked Air King if the question of extending their closing hours had been considered by the City Council. Mr King: Not recently. Some years ago the matter was discussed, but it was thought that if that step were adopted the conveniences were liable to be damaged. The Magistrate suggested tbat_ in that respect some arrangement might be made with the police to supervise the conveniences, or an attendant left in charge after 11 p.m. He added that it appeared unfortunate that at present no conveniences were available after that hour The cases against both defendants were dismiJsed. subject to each paying court costs (3s).