From the archives: Some Mayo shopkeepers flouted the law 95 years ago
By Tom Gillespie
CONCERN was expressed at the beginning of 1930 that some shopkeepers in Castlebar were flouting the Shops Act in regard to closing times.
The following, from Mr. L.J. Duffy, secretary to the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks, was read to members of Castlebar Urban Council in January 1930.
“Complaints have been received by my executive committee that certain traders in Castlebar are not complying with the provisions of the Shops Act in regard to the closing hour on the weekly half-holiday, and it has been reported also that where the Shops Inspector has reported these offenders your council has failed to order their prosecution.
“I am now to say that unless the law is enforced against persons contravening the Shops Act my executive committee will be reluctantly obliged to institute proceedings by way of a mandamus against the council to compel them to discharge the duties imposed upon them by Section 13 of the Shops Act, 1912.
“I need hardly assure you that we have no desire to put the council to the expense of these proceedings if it can be avoided, and hope therefore, the council will take immediate steps to have the provisions of the Act carried into effect.”
Councillor M.J. Reidy, P.C.: We gave our inspector instructions to carry out the Act.
Councillor. M.P. Daly: The council did its duty, and if proceedings were not taken it was no fault of ours.
Council clerk: The publication of this communication will show traders how serious the matter is.
Councillor T.H. Gillespie: It is high-haded action when the council was not at fault.
Councillor Daly said there was no use in an officer making a report unless it was followed up.Councillor Gillespie: We did that.
Councillor Daly said that when people failed to carry out the Act the solicitor should be instructed to prosecute.
In reply to Councillor Gillespie, the clerk said that when the inspector reported a warning notice was served. The publication of the letter would have a good effect.
Dr. Faulkner, chairman, referred to conditions during the rush of the Christmas trade and assistants had to do overtime. That should b e overlooked, as all traders were willing to comply with the Act.
Councillor T.A. Lavelle: There are defaulters in town who have no intention of complying with the Act. It is not fair that some be allowed keep their assistants in all day.
Councillor Joe Cambers: I propose that in future we take the advice of the Shops Inspector, and if he recommends prosecution we should take them.Councillor Daly: The chairman referred to the Christmas period, but the inspector’s report came before that. People must recognise the Act, and there is no use in an official reporting if he is let down. Councillor Gillespie said as far as the council knew there were only three cases reported.
Councillor P.J. Carney said many cases were reported during the past three years.
Councillor Lavelle: When there are complaints there should be prosecutions.
Councillor Daly: We have been too lenient. This is a continuing wrong. If we prosecute a few parties it will set an example.
An order was made that in future defaulters be dealt with by the council solicitor.