PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4566, 8 November 1937, Page 2

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

WOVE TO WONDAY. THE LONG WEEK-END. One of the questions discussed at the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce at Timaru was that of the desirability of a more regular and rational arrangement of public holidays and particularly on the Mondayising” of holidays which fall during the week. The following remit was moved by Mr. R. H. Nimmo (Wellington) and adopted:—“(a) That all public holidays should be (1) national; (2) defined by Statute only, not by awards: and (3) observed on Mondays whenever possible thus best serving the best interests of employer and employee alike; and (b) that the Banking Act should be immediately amended so as to remove the saints' days from the compulsory holidays provided by that Act.”

The object of the remit was clear, said Mr. Nimmo. At the present time great inconvenience was experienced through certain holidays being observed in one district and not in another, therefore, in the interests of the community, it was suggested that all holidays should be national in character. It was also recommended that other than religious festivals, all holidays should be observed on Monday, which had the advantage of allowing the employee a holiday of which he could make some real use by utilisation of the week-end. It was also definitely in the interests of the employer in that he should avoid the inconvenience and disorganisation of the break in the week.

Falling on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following holidays should be observed on Monday:—Anniversary Day to be of a national character, and observed on the first Monday in February; Dominion Day to be observed on the first Monday in March; the King’s Birthday to be observed on the first Monday in May; Labour Day to be observed on the first Monday in September; an additional holiday to be known as a spring holiday, and to be observed on the first Monday in November. The five holidays suggested would make ample provision for race meetings, picnics, and anniversary celebrations. Moreover, they would be spread evenly throughout the year, and the facilities offered by these week-ends would be appreciated by all classes of the community. Whilst it was recognised that there were certain occasions upon which the Government found it necessary to declare public holidays for national rejoicings or mournings, such a privilege should be exercised sparingly and only after consultations with the employers’ and employees’ representatives.