View report page

57
which exists between the business people and the Corporation.
For this reason, action under the Acts is carefully
considered, and, except in cases of contravention after due
notice has been given, the action taken is in the form of
advice and information.
The Shops Act, 1934 added very considerably to the
duties of the local authority but owing to the pressure of
other work it was not possible to give more time to shops.
It is hoped that when the pressure of housing work is
reduced more time will be available for this work.
A special report on the subject was in the course
of preparation at the end of the year and was submitted
to the General Purposes Committee in January, 1936.
A reliable estimate of the number of shops (wholesale
and retail) in the town is 925 and the number of shop
assistants is approximately 6,000, of which about 1,000 may
be counted as "young persons" within, the meaning of
the Acts.
These figures provide some indication of the task of
carrying out the executive duties of the Shops Acts in
the Borough and will afford an explanation as to why
more detailed work cannot be undertaken at the present
time.
It should be made clear that, with few exceptions,
the business people have shown a real sympathy with the
objects of the Acts and whilst the many intricate forms
and records which they have to prepare and keep are
tolerated as legal obligations, there is a general desire to
safeguard the position of shop assistants.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT.
The administration of the provisions of this Act, (a
duty which was placed upon the department last year)
has not proved an easy task,