GROCERS’ HOURS.

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 7

GROCERS’ HOURS.

To THE EDITOR. Sir, —“ Observer ” complains that a number of grocers are opening earlier than the recognised opening time of !) a.m. No doubt quit-e a number of grocers are opening before that hour. However, they found that by observing the advertised time quite a number of their customers were making their early morning purchases from opposition stores (dairies and double shops), who apparently can open at any hour. This state of affairs will no doubt continue until a new award is enforced covering an opening and closing hour, when it is hoped that all shops selling groceries will be compelled to open and close the whole of their promises at the same time. At the present time these double shops and dairies are a real menace to retailers who have to comply with early closing hours. Although they are supposed to close their grocery portion at the proper time, anything can be purchased from them at any hour, not even Sunday excluded. At the present time almost the whole of the workers of this Dominion are rejoicing in the fact that they have a shorter working week. In almost every trade or industry what applies to one shop or factory applies to all otheis in the same branch of trade or industry. In the case of most retail trades this also applies, but do the workers or the public generally ever consider the posi-

tion of grocers, and also tobacconists? Although they have reduced working hours they have not the opportunity of educating their customers to them owing to this menace' I have mentioned. Now is the time for the Government to take action and close this gap of illicit trading, and bring all retailers of groceries into line. For the shopkeeper who desires to remain open for 16 hours a day for six days of the week there will still be plenty for him to sell, not forgetting the dairy proprietor, who in many cases has 16 hours on Sunday as well.—l am. etc’., Shoeteu Hopes. October 2.