I note that the recent decision in the English Courts that the Lord's Day Observance Act of 1781, relating to Sunday entertainments, can still be enforced, has created a "sensation" throughout the country.
A greater "sensation" would be caused if it were decided to enforce other unrepealed Acts dealing with Sunday observance. For instance, the Act of 1629 prohibits "public carriers" from working on Sunday under penalty of £1 for every vehicle that they send out. Since rail, tram and 'bus companies are "public carriers," according to statute, the effect of this Act on Sunday travel can well be imagined.
Another Act prohibits the gathering of persons outside their own parish for the purpose of sport, or pleasure. A series of Acts governing buying and selling could effectually prevent the purchase of papers, cigarettes or sweets, the delivery of milk between certain hours, or the sale of anything except meat meals in public houses.
I was faintly amused at the thought of England's potential discomfiture until the chastening thought occurred to me that these laws also apply to the Free State, since the English Statues, having been adopted, must remain in force until they are amended or repealed by the Free State Legislature.
The Irish Times, January 31st, 1931