RACING AND TRADE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 3 June 1927, Page 5

RACING AND TRADE.

DEPUTATION TO EGMONT RACING CLUB.

The question of changing the days on which the Egmont race meeting is held was raised last night, when a deputation of retailers and business men, consisting of Messrs L. A. Bone, H. N. Lester, W. Crompton, D. Strachan, E. O’Reilly, E. H. Harrop, and W. Gyde, waited on the Egmont Racing Club, asking that in the interests of the retailers the day® on which races were held at Hawera should be changed. Mr Bone apologised for the absence of Mr B. C. Bennett, who had intended to be spokesman. Mr Bone said that the decision of the Racing Club to hold recent race meetings on the two busiest days in the town (Thursdays and Saturday) was injuring the retail trade in Hawera, and it was felt that present of trade called for harmonious working between the retailers and the club. Mr Lester said that, as far as he could see, Saturday’s racing in particular had killed their business for the week. It had hot been so bad; in respect to Thursday’s racing, but there was no doubt that the tradespeople felt the loss' acutely. Those who wished could not attend on account of the club holding their meetings on days other than Wednesday, the half-holi-day. Mr Harrop said it was a. that there was a "feeling that Thursday and Saturday as race, days were not in the !>est interests of the town and were oreiudieial to trade.

’ Mr R. Hicks, of the Racing Club, asked whether, should the club decide f o change its iMce .day® next year to Wednesday and Friday, the retailers would grant an extra half-day on the Friday.

Mr Gyde said he thought there was no doubt that the. suggestion would find favour with the majority of the retailers, and that, it was a practical suggestion.

Mr Bone also agreed, stating that, although he. was- averse to closing shops unless absolutely necessary, he would agree, to this course if the retailers should be unanimous'. Mr J. Grav, chairman of the Racing Club, said that the matter would be duly considered, and' the retailers would be advised of the decision.