SATURDAY CLOSING

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 December 1945, Page 7

SATURDAY CLOSING

CANTERBURY ARRANGEMENTS. CHRISTCHURCH, December 4. "Generally speaking, retailers have shown more consideration for the convenience of the public, and most will remain open on Saturday mornings until Christmas at least,’' said Mr? H. F. Butland (Secretary, Canterbury Employers’ Association), when announcing decisions on the question by principal retailer groups in Christchurch. Drapers have decided to remain open on Saturday mornings until after December 22. Butcher's have announced their intention to serve the public on Saturdays until the final operation of the scheme has been arranged. The independent grocers’ shops will bo closed on Saturdays as from December 29, but chain store branches have arranged to continue their Saturday trade by shortening their hours of work, on a. roster system, during the week, thereby keeping within the 40-hour week. Tobacconists, florists, and fruiterers will remain open in the meantime. The' booksellers (as distinct from stationers), have decided to close on Saturdays after Christmas. The departmental chain stores are awaiting the decision of their directors. The only group, so far, to decide in favour of closing on Saturday mornings immediately are the hardware merchants. SOUTHLAND DECISIONS. INVERCARGILL, December 4. Beginning next month, a majority of the retail shops in Invercargill will observe a five-day, 40-hour week. For the remainder of this month, the usual hours will be observed, except that there will be no late night on Friday, December 28, as the shops will remain open on Christmas Eve until 10 p.m. Grocers will open on Saturday mornings after the New Year, but "no decision has yet been reached as to whether tobacconists will observe a five-day week. The butchers have closed for some time, so that after January 1. the only shops likely to be open on Saturday mornings are those of grocers, tobacconists, and fruiterers.