16 OCTOBER 1886, Page 16

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Would not the application

to shops and warehouses of clauses similar to those of the Factory Acts which govern the employment of women and "young persons" settle this much- discussed question ? Many publicans now give their "young persons" and barmen " rests " of two and three hours daily, while some voluntarily close their houses on Sunday (although for politic reasons they take out seven-day licences) ; and shop- keepers and warehousemen might do likewise. Why should the industry of adults employed in shops and warehouses, or the profit-making of their owners, be interfered with or restricted, any more than is the case in other trades and manufactures ?-