SHOPKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 252, 17 July 1908, Page 3

SHOPKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

0 :— WEDNESDAY HALF-HOLIDAY. Tho regular meeting of the executive committee of the New Zealand Shopkeepers' Association was held yesterday at the office of the Secretary (Mr. H. F. Allen). Mr. H. H. Seaton (president) occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance of members, The Secretary of the Egmont Licensed Victuallers' Association pointed out that continuance would be in the interests of the mercantile community, and he requested the shopkeepers' support. ; The Chairman : I don't think that concerns this -body. It may concern tho Chamber of Commerce. A letter was received from Auckland in reference to tho formation of an Association there, and asking for information. The Chairman remarked that it was a satisfactory sign. Mr. D. Gillies was admitted ■to membership. , Tho.matter of affiliation with the Employers' Association was brought up. by a letter from the - Secretary of the Employers'/Association, asking the Shopkeepersj Association to reconsider its decision to resign from tho former body. ' .The; Chairman said that the Employers' Association did good work, and it carried .weight in Parliamentary matters. Mr. Pryor had done his utmost to assist shopkeepers in matters concerning them. Personally, he was in ; favour of continuing the affiliation. Mr. Millingtori moved in this direction. Mr. Kuch seconded the motion, which was carried. The secretary quoted the annual report of the Wellington Inspector of Factories, which stated that if the.- Wellington shopkeepers had .their way, the Saturday halt-holiday would bo less a dream than at present. Tho Chairman said that Saturday was the ideal shopping day, and they were better as: they were. Ho did three, times as much business on Saturday as any other, day.. . . Other members expressed similar views, and a motion in favour of Wednesday afternoon was'carried unanimously. Tho statement of the Inspector of Factories was taken exception to-as being incorrect, • and it was suggested that tho .matter be pointed-out to the Minister for Labour. It was agreed that Mr. Allen should brings up the matter at the next meeting of. the Parliamentary Committee of the Employers' Association. Mr. Allen will also bring up tlio question, of urging tho repeal of tho pro--vision ill the Shops and Offices Act, which gives thd, "ratepayers the right to. vote on the question. It was considered that tho question should bs decided by the shopkeepers. It .was,.decidcd to recommend the Industrial Associatjon to hold the next Industries Week Exhibition between March and October, .as thi4 period was between tho busy seasons. Regardjng a carnival week, tho following ..resolution.;'was approved of: "That this Association express. its. desire for .'a carnival weok, and its_ intention of working in harI tn'ohy "-with kindred bodies to . further tho 'Scheme."' ■ ' • :,i.