METHOD OF OBSERVANCE.

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 92, 19 April 1921, Page 8

METHOD OF OBSERVANCE.

The Act which constitutes Anzac Day a National holiday provides that 25th April each year shall be observed as a public holiday throughout New Zealand. The day shall also be observed as a bank holiday, licensed premises shall be closed as on Christmas Day and Good Friday, and there shall be no horseracing. When questioned by a Post reporter to-day, Mr. F. W. Rowley, Secretary of Labour, stated that the public holiday clause was not compulsory. There was no provision for any penalties if a holiday was not observed, therefore factories, shops, and offices could remain open. When it was pointed out to Mr. Kowley that some of the shopkeepers intended to observe Anzac Day as a holiday, he stated that the half-holiday would still have to be observed.

The position was discussed with the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) to-day. He stated that he would ask citizens to observe Anzac Day as a close holiday in memory of those who gave their lives in the Great War. The Finance Committee of the council was of opinion that picture shows and all public entertainments should close down on Anzac Day, and the council would be asked to endorse that decision on Thursday night. The decision would then be communicated to the proprietors, who could decide for themselves what action they would take.

The Master Drapers' Association has decided to observe a full holiday next Monday.