CHINESE SHOPKEEPERS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 231, 28 March 1912, Page 2

CHINESE SHOPKEEPERS.

THE EARLY CLOSING LAW. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Wednesday. A decision of special interest to Chinese shopkeepers was given by Mr. Riddel], S.M., to-day in the case, Inspector of Awards v. Chung Walt. Defendant was charged that, being the occupier of a shop within the meaning of the Shops and Offices Act. he failed to close at 1 o'clock. The shop is registered as one in which fruit- and groceries are sold. It is divided into two parts, in one of which defendant sells only fruit and vegetables, and in the other fruit, vegetables, groceries, etc. On Wednesday afternoons the portion in which groceries are sold is closed, the other part being kept open. Counsel for defendant contended that the partitioning of the shop did not constitute failure to close at 1 o'cleck, as the sale of fruit and vegetables came within the exception mentioned in clause 18 Of the Act. The Magistrate was of opinion that if defendant had registered his premises as two shops he might have been within his rights, but having registered only one shop lie had failed to comply with the law on the closing point. Defendant was lined 20s and costs.