The Court of Exchequer, sitting in Banco, has decided that
the directors of the Brighton Aquarium must close that establish- ment on Sundays. All four Judges agreed that the absence of newspapers and music made no difference, and that the privi- lege of looking at marine animals was an amusement within the Act. The Chief Baron hinted very strongly that• the Act, unless altered, might apply also to the Zoological Gardens, the Horticultural Gardens, and even Hampton Court, where they charge a penny for entering the maze ; and the only point left doubtful was the right of the shareholders in Piers, if they provide nothing but the promenade, to admit the public. Mr. Cross, there- fore, is wrong in his law—he believing that without amusements the Act might not apply—and he is also wrong in thinking that he can remit penalties under the Act. Any informer can, in fact, shut up any place open on Sunday at which any entertainment is provided and money taken at the doors. Whether, if no money were taken at the Aquarium, and a box for " collections " for the maintenance of the fishes hung by the side of the doorways, the Directors would be liable, is doubtful.
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