THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 303, 21 December 1921, Page 6

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.

BILL THROUGH THE HOUSE. HOTELS OPEN ON MONDAY. (By Telegraph.—Prese Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The House went into committee tonight on the Public Holidays Amendment i Bill. The Minister stated that satisfac- t tory arrangements had been made with railway employees in connection with the j holidays. ! Mr. McCombs claimed that the bill •had gone further than the House intended, because under the existing law licensed premises would be closed on Monday. It, however, had been stated that under this bill public bars would be open, and he asked the Minister to accept an amendment which would ensure the closing of bars on Monday. Sir John Luke contended that what Mr. MeCombs was asking for was two sacred days for Christmas, and that was absurd. Mr. laitt strongly supported the closing of bars on Monday. Mr. Stewart said that this was an unfair discrimination against one section of the community. Mr. McCorobs contended that no alteration in the existing law was made so far as New Year's Day was concerned, because the bars were open on that day, therefore the bill was clearly an extension of licensing hours, although they had been told that there was to be no licensing legislation this session. Mr. Wright could not see the value of the bill at all. The existing legislation seemed to him sufficient for all mirposes. Mr. Holland supported the bill, because the labour bodies wanted it. Mr. Nash asked if any provision was being made for those businesses which closed on Wednesday. Under this bill they would have to close on three consecutive days, and that he thought was a hardship. In clause 2, paragraph x>, Mr. McCombs moved: : That on such day (Monday) all licensed'premises shall remain closed." This was lost by 7 to 51, and the bill passed its remaining stages. WELLINGTON, this day. The Legislative Council met this morning and passed Public Holidays' Amendment Bill through all stages. The bill, briefly stated, provided for the "Mondayising , ' , of Christmas Day, Monday and Tuesday bsing declared public holidays. __________