LATE NIGHT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3139, 10 July 1942, Page 4

LATE NIGHT

EARLY CLOSING FRIDAY MEETING HELD IN PAEROA OPINIONS OF BUSINESSMEN A meeting of business men was held in Paeroa on Thursday evening to discuss a proposal that shops close early in future on Friday nights. Mr D. Leach, who presided, in opening the meeting, explained that the cities and many of the smaller towns had already decided to close on Friday nights and the meeting had been called to decide what action should be taken in Paeroa. Mr E. Powell asked whether the meeting was fully representative of the business people.

It was explained that every business house had been advised of the meeting. Mr D. Me Watters said he was not in favour of the closing on Friday night. He pointed, out that more people come into town to go to the pictures on Friday night than at any other time. It was not fair to the business people, such as drapers, etc., who did not canvass for business to close on Friday nights. He pointed' out that neither Thames or Te Aroha were closing early on Friday nights. He moved that the shops be closed at 8 p.m. on Friday nights in the winter months and revert to the 9 p.m. during the summer. Mr D. McWatters stated that he had been advised that one firm of. grocers had been instructed by its head office to stay open whatever the meeting decided. Mr R. Buckrell moved that the meeting be adjourned until a more representative meeting could be called. For Winter Only Mr E. V. Slyfield seconded this and suggested that the shops close at 6 p.m. during the winter months and then review the position when the summer came.

Mr D. Prime said it had been proved on previous ; occasions that even when postponed it was impossible to get a full attendance at a meeting.

Mr A.- Plummer said that until Paeroa knew that Thames, Waihi and Te Aroha were proposing to close, Paeroa should not close. •

Mr J. P. Gamble said that the same question of what the neighbouring towns would do had (been discussed when it was suggested that 'Saturday be the half-day. He had spoken to leading businessmen in Auckland and they had stated that the early closing had been a great success. Mr P. H. Leigh said that if he closed on Friday night his Saturday morning would be too rushed. Mr S. I. Mclntyre agreed with Mr Leigh. Mr V. O’Loughlin said he could not possibly handle the work on. a Saturday morning.

Mr S. I. Mclntyre pointed out that Friday night was the night when the local theatre had 1 the biggest attendance. Evidently the farmers were combining business and pleasure, doing both on Friday night. Mr D. Prime, said he had found that few farmers came to town to do business on Friday night. Mr R. Buckrell agreed with Mr Prime.

It was decided to adjourn the meeting until Tuesday, July 14 at 5.15 p.m.