View report page

15
The number of notices served and the result of the action
taken is shown by the following statistical statements. It
should be pointed cut that the number of notices complied with
during 1949 is not comparable with the number served during
the same period as the former number may have reference to some
notices which were served in the previous year.
NOTICES SERVED.
Informal.
(a) Verbal 587
(b) Written
Statutory.
(a) Housing Acts -
(b) Public Health Acts 9
NOTICES COMPLIED WITH.
Informal.
(a) Verbal
(b) Written 564
Statutory.
(a) Housing Acts -
(b) Public Health Acts 7
7. SHOPS AND OFFICES.
The Shops Act 1934 is the Statute which controls the
arrangements to be made for the health and welfare of shop
workers. The Shops Acts 1912 to 1936 relate to the general
conduct of business, and such matters as meal times, general
closing hours, half-day closing, etc.
The Public Health Act, 1936 brought offices within
certain of its provisions.
During the year particular attention was paid to hours
of closing and Sunday Trading. As supplies of goods, particularly
in the food trades, returned to the shops, it
was felt that no hardship would be caused by requiring a more
strict adherence to the requirements of the appropriate Acts.
It was known that illegal Sunday trading had increased, and
this matter was the first to receive attention. Most traders
willingly responded to the advice given. Some expressed their
relief and pleasure that they need no longer remain open on
Sundays in order to retain the patronage of their customers.
The only objections received were from traders who had
commenced retail business for the first time during the war
years and who were, therefore, not familiar with the legal
enactments. At the end of the year the matter was still
receiving attention, but generally speaking, traders were
complying with the Law. The action taken did much to ensure
that one trader could not take unfair advantage of his fellow
shopkeeper by trading outside permitted hours.
The Law relating to shops is extremely complicated and
difficult to administer. It is in need of amendment, apart
from simple consolidation, which was under consideration at
the end of 1949.
Inspections of offices have been continued during the
year, as opportunity occurred. The standard of office
accommodation in the town is reasonably good.