EARLY CLOSING MEETING.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7525, 15 April 1890, Page 6

EARLY CLOSING MEETING.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. ; Sir;—lt was my intention to have attended the "monster meeting" to beheld in the Tuam street Hall this evening, with a view ot making an explanation in regard to' my position on the early closing question. With that object in view I sent the Secretary of the Early Closing Association a note: asking him to be good enough to furnish mc with an order for a seat on the platform, and allow mc an opportunity of addressing a few words of explanation through the meetiug, to the public. In reply, ihe Secretary informed mc that " it is beyond my power to grant your request, but 1 will place the matter before our Committee, which meets thin evening, and forward you their decision." If the Early Closing Association are afraid to hear my explanation publicly, they will be exhibiting a lamentable lack of fair play, and will be guilty of perpetuating a gross injustice to myseli.—Yours, &c, CM. Gray.

TO THB KOTTOB OaT THB PRESS.

Sir,—We were somewhat pained to read a report in your issue of this day, that we had violated our pledge and kept open our High street shop after the agreed- hour. Tbis ia not correct, as that shop was duly closed, as agreed.. But it is a fact that after our Mr Armstrong had left our High street establishment, witnessed the hostile demonstrations at other places, con versed with the Secretary of the Drapers' Association, that he found, when he reached our Market place store at 9.80 p.m., although the doors of that place were closed, yet, contrary to his instructions, the gas was burning outside the clothing department. This is accounted for by the fact that this department is in charge of a new assistant, who explains that he was rushed with trade at tne.last, and did not think it of such importance to close punctually. Such arrangements have been made as will prevent a repetition of this. But there was no demonstration, as stated, Sralnst us. We beg to assure you, Sir, though we trust such an assurance is superfluous to those who know us well, that our word and pledge is our bond, and we regret that, through no personal fault of our own, it has been thus questioned. We intend to shut our premises according to pledge until we give distinct notice to the contrary.—Yours, Sec, T. Armstrong and Co, ,