WEDNESDAY HALF HOLIDAY.

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1929, Page 2

WEDNESDAY HALF HOLIDAY.

The fact that Westport tried the Saturday half holiday and was almo&t ruined thereby cannot be overlooked by all who would see Greymouth prosper and progress. Our neighbouring town after u few weeks reverted to the mid week half holiday. Why! Simply because over fifty per cent, of its normal trade was diverted tc country stores andj large ‘‘shop by pos: , firms outside the Buller district. The wage earners simply could not purchase their requirements in Westport because business houses were closed on the only day they were free to do so. If Saturday is carried the same thing will happen locally and this will of course mean decreased trading and ihe want of fewer shop assistants —in other words, unemployment. It would indeed be. interesting to know who is responsible for the Saturday movement and why they do not f come to the front and state the ease in favour of their contention that Wednesday is not the logical weekly half-noliday. Surely a cause that is worth championing is worth expounding-, or are its leaders so bankrupt of argument and common sense that they expect an intelligent public to follow them blindly without counting the cost. Country residents, shop keepers, and shop assistants all support and desire the Wednesday half holiday realising that it is the most convenient for the people as a whole and the day best suited upon which to close the business premises of Greymouth.