THE HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

Hastings Standard, Issue 87, 6 August 1896, Page 2

THE HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

[To the Editor.] Sin, —Your correspondent " Observer " has brought before the public a state of things which should only require to be mentioned to be remedied. It is well-known in Hastings that that which he puts forth does exist, and that to the detriment of an Act which has conferred such a boon on shopassistants without material injury to their employers. That loopholes exist whereby violations of the Act ace made shows clearly that an amendment- is necessary ; but my opinion is that a laxity exists on the part of the officer whose duty it is to see that the provisions of the Act are carried out, and not wait for an opposition tradesman to lay an information before he takes action. Several amendments have already been made to this Act in the matter of exemptions, and it seems very clear that it will never meet its purpose until it stipulates that all places shall close. Of course this would mean that a hardship would be placed on vendors of fruit and light refreshments, and this through *he unscrupulousness of a small section of the community. The whole blame of this evasion of the Act does not rest with the vendors, for those who receive benefit under it are found among those who patronise these places, knowing perfectly well that an iujustice is being done to shops that are closed. I, for one, hope that the matter will receive the attention of those who duty it is to see that the law is acted up to, and then there will be no cause for complaint by those in business who have to close. —I am, &c, Another Observer.