SATURDAY TRADE

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24741, 5 December 1945, Page 6

SATURDAY TRADE

CONTINUATION TILL CHRISTMAS CHRISTCHURCH RETAIL GROUPS “Generally speaking, the retailers have shown consideration for the convenience of the public and most of them will remain open on Saturday mornings until Christmas at least,’’ said Mr H. F. Butland. secretary of the Canterbury Employers’ Association, last evening, announcing the decisions of the principal retailer groups in Christchurch made after a series of meetings which concluded last evening. The matter had had to be considered hastily. Mr, Butland said, and though there was unanimity among those agreeing to remain open on Saturday morning until the - Christmas weekend, there was a division of opinion on the course to be taken after that. Further discussions would therefore be held.

Drapers had decided to remain open on Saturday mornings until after December 22. Butchers had announced their intention to serve the public on Saturdays until the final operation of the scheme had been arranged. Independent grocers' shops would be closed on Saturdays as from December 29. but chain store grocers had arranged to continue Saturday trade by shortening the hours of work on a rosier system during the week. thereby keeping within the 40-hour week. Tobacconists. florists, and fruiterers would remain open in the meantime, and booksellers (as distinct from stationers) had decided to close on Saturdays after Christmas. Department chain stores were awaiting the decision of their national directors. The only group so far to decide in favour of closing on Saturday mornings immediately was the hardware merchants. This group included ironmongers. plumbers, electrical suppliers, and engineers’ suppliers. Those still to consider the question included chemists and fishmongers. In making new awards, the Arbitration Court had power to fix hours for the opening and closing of shops in any group, said Mr Butland, commenting on these decisions. The incorporation of the legislation in new awards would not be made until next year. The Arbitration Court would then probably consider which groups of retailers should endeavour to give service to the public on Saturdays. At present. however, staff shortages made it difficult for most employers to stagger the hours worked during the week so that no employee would exceed 40 hours while the shops were kept 'open on Saturday mornings.