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66
With regard to the Chemists' and Druggists' Half-Holiday Order,
the Home Secretary confirmed same, but suggested the addition of the
words "Medicines and medical and surgical appliances" in Clause 2
of the Order, whereby these commodities are exempt from the
provisions of the Order. This suggestion was agreed to.
Petitions were received from the Drapers, Milliners, Hosiers, and
Mantle Dealers for a Closing Order, and from the Florists and Nurserymen
for a Half-Holiday Order, but in both cases the Council, after
investigations had been made, made no Order.
With reference to the Butchers' Closing Order, the Public Health
Committee received Deputations from various Associations connected
with that particular trade, the suggestion being that "cooked meat"
should be included in the Order made by the Council, but the
Committee were unable to recommend the alteration of the Order.
There being a considerable element of doubt and misapprehension
as to the provisions of the Act, applying both to the various Orders
made by the Council and all other shops as to closing immediately
preceding and succeeding Christmas, a special advertisement was published
by the instructions of the Council setting forth in full detail the
provisions of the Act. For the purposes of record, the following is a
copy of the advertisement.—
SHOPS ACT, 1912.
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
The Public Health Committee, to whom the matter was referred
by the Council at their last meeting, have given instructions
for the publication of the following statement:—
Misapprehension having arisen as to the closing of shops during
the week preceding Christmas week and Christmas week,