EARLY CLOSING.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7524, 14 April 1890, Page 3

EARLY CLOSING.

TO THB EDITOB OF THE PSUfeSS. Sra,-I think I am right Iα saying every eight of ten persons are in favor of early closing," and would be glad to see the New Zealand Early Closing Association programme of universal six o'clock closing universally accomplished, also the arrangement of a universal weekly halfholiday. This being the case, where stands the cause of delay? It is this: Che sympathy of many is passive only, and retards the movement instead of Helping it forward. The Association has enlisted the sympathy and obtained the help of many able men, not only in Christchurch, bat alsoin Dunedia, Wellington, Auckland, and other provinces, whilst some who are working energetically in the cause have voluntarily come forward and offered service. These gentlemen, occupying as they do a much higher platform in business and social life than the ordinary tradesman or assistants, are able to render help, without which the cause might possibly fail, at any rate, would be much longer in bringing about the desired end than is now probable. The New Zealand Early Closing Association is therefore holding its head erect, and, with keen eye and energetic hands, making steady and sure progress. Many of the gentlemen alluded to above owe their prominent business and social position solely to their own natural energy, by an almost instinctive perception of the possibility of things, and there fore can see clearly what ought to be accepted and what rejected; and when such as these by their keen knowledge and perceptions of the intricate requirements of wholesale and retail commerce, not only approve but publicly take by the hand the early closing movement, the general public may safely do the same to the full extent of its power, especially by making it a matter of principle never to make a purchase (not even of matches, cigars or tobacco) after six o'clock. There is also another, and the greatest power of all in the hands of ;the general public as an incentive to early closing. It is this—the power of boycott; a power no tradesman can withstand, and one that no sensible man would rouse against himself. Should, then, a minority of tradesmen of any branch of trade set up their little minds against the opinions and actions of the majority, the public should not fail to exercise their power of boycott in the interests of early closing, to the detriment of such tradesmen. Selfishness we know to be the greatest enemy early closing has; well, let this power do just a little in its favor. How many of our rising generation will have to enter retail trades for their livelihood? Thousands. Then for their sakes, if we love our children, and wish to relieve them of or prevent their ever being under unnecessary burdens, let us, man, woman, boy and girl, work to pat down late shopping. One great dnty everyone owes to themselves or their neighbour is to become acquainted with all social questions of the day, and use their power and influence in the cause of right. Then let mc recommend everyone possessing opportunity to attend the early closing meeting to-morrow ([Tuesday) evening, in the Tuam street Hall, and thus show their sympathy with a great and necessary reform.—Yours, &c. Advocate.