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into operation on the 30th December, 1935. Briefly, this Act
regulates the hours of employment of persons under the age of 18
years who are employed about the business of wholesale or retail
shops, or employed elsewhere in connection with wholesale or retail
trade or business, and makes provision as to the arrangement in
shops and warehouses for the health and comfort of workers. A
full report on the administration of this new legislation was given
in the previous Annual Report.
The passing of the Shops Act, 1936, the Retail Meat Dealers
Shops (Sunday Closing) Act, 1936, and the Shops (Sunday Trading
Restriction) Act, 1936, has thrown further additional work on the
Department during the year.
There are now seven Acts and four sets of Regulations
specifically relating to shops and employment in shops and the hope
may be expressed that before long the various Acts and Regulations
will be consolidated.
The Shops Act, 1936—This Act provides for the application of
the Acts of 1912/1934, to premises and places where the business of
lending books or periodicals is carried on for the purposes of gain.
This Act came into operation on the 1st January, 1937.
The Retail Meat Dealers Shops (Sunday Closing) Act, 1936.
This Act provides, with certain exceptions, for the compulsory
closing of meat traders' shops and stalls on Sundays. The Act
came into operation on the 1st January, 1937.
The Shops (Sunday Trading Restriction) Act, 1936—This
Act restricts the opening of shops and trading on Sunday. The Act
came into operation on the 1st May, 1937 and is referred to as the
Act of 1936.
Shop Acts—Inspections.
No. of Shops on Register at end of year 772
„ „ Special visits made 271
„ „ New Additions to Register 4
„ „ changes of occupancy 11