SUNDAY TRADING

Hokitika Guardian, 9 September 1927, Page 4

SUNDAY TRADING

PRESBYTERY ! S DISCUSSION.

DUNEDIN, Sept. G

“]n view of the amount of Sunday trading that is taking place the Presbytery Invites the. supervision of the ipolice in making a close inquiry and watch over shops which are doing business on Sundays.” On the suggestion of the Public Questions Committee the Dunedin Presbytery, at its meeting to-dav, passed this motion. The Rev Dr E. N. .Herrington stated that this question had exercised their minds for some time. Tt had been felt that tbe inroads (of commercialism into Sundays were increasing. Recently a deputation from tbe (Council of Cfliristian Congregations bad waited ion the Superintendent of Police and asked if it were possible to regulate or suppress tbe traffic in motor fuel and sundries on Sunday,'. Tie iSiiperfptendent pointed out that, everything connected with the travelling of the public was exempted. Tbe motor garages took.tbe place of the old livery stables, and the exemption stood in tbe latest Polices Offences Act. Tbe question of shops had been raised, and the Superintendent bad explained that the law allowed provision shops to provide food and soft drinks to lie consumed on the premises, but not for taking away from the shop., “The old idea, of victualling and travelling of the people lias come down through the age,” said Dr Herrington. “Unfortunately it is stated that many tilings are purchased on Sundays and taken away from the shops, which is against the law.” On behalf of the committee ho moved that the recommendation he accepted. “It was felt by some that no private individuals could be expected to act as spies or informers in this matter,” said Dr Herrington, “and it was decided to bring before tbe police tbe necessity for closer supervision to this purchasing and carrying away on Sundays in contravention of tbe law.” Rev Hector Maclean: Who is breaking the law—the shop folks or the people carrying awav the goods? Dr Herrington: The shops. Rev .T. Brodiie: Ts it clear that we arc only bitting at tbe taking away of goods, and not at consumption on tbe premises? Dr Herrington : It is to enforce the present law. The motion was seconded by Mr Maclean and carried.