THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 128, 31 May 1888, Page 8

THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT.

DEPUTATION TO MR PEACOCK,

M.H.R.

A DEPUTATION of Kamngahapo shop-keepers waited upon Mr Peacock, M.H.R., this afternoon, withrefoience tothe early closing movement now in progress. Tho deputation included Messrs Cox, Abbott, McPherson. Hopkin, and Captain Wallace. Mr Abbott said that tho shopkeepers of Karangahape Koad objected to the curly closing because thoir trade was large] y a workingman's trade, and closing at 6 o'clock would cut off that trado. Expensive property had been erected in the district with the pros poet of that trade ; with early closing it would be ruined. They also objected to the movement on tho ground that it was unfair that any leading tradesmen should bo allowed to interfere with their hours, and he characterised the movement as one got up by the Queen-stroot shop-keepers to the detriment of the suburban shops.

Other members of the deputation spoke in the same strain, rind it was pointed out that they employed little hired labour Mr Peacock said hoquitesympathieed with early closing generally. Itwas very desirable that shops .should bo ciosed at a reasonable time, but at the same time lie felt that the law should not bo mado oppressive. Ho was in favour of local option for a particular street in a particular district, and he expressed surprise that steps had not been taken to make representations to the Government in favour of the views of the deputation. ]fo would give the matter consideration and would brinp forward the resolutions m:ule by the deputation in Parliament. Ho would havo much pleasure in seeing that nothing oppressive was included in tho Act. The deputation then expressed thoir thanks to Mr Peacock and withdrew.