SHOP HOURS BILL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9494, 17 August 1891, Page 6

SHOP HOURS BILL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—Nearly two years have gone oy since >he present early closing campaign commenced, and on Tuesday we snail know whether we have scored a goal, or our opponents a touch-down. A great deal has been made of the metaphor used by Mr Clarke at the Tuam street meeting lasu year, i.e., “ It had been hard, cold work at the beginning, like snowballing ; but the movement would soon be like a monster snowball when set in motion on au incline, and would overthrow all obstructions. I don’t think Mr Clarke ever had a wish to injure any late trader, but felt convinced the movement would grow to its present, and oven larger, dimensions, and that if thoughtless individuals put themselves purposely in its way, they would be the sufferers. Well, Sir, during the past year it has given some I wot of a good hard knock or so. But so popular has the early closing snowball become that factory hands, mechanics, railway employees,clergymen, Unionists generally, big and little shopkeepers, and even a shop assistant or two, have kept the “ ball ” rolling until now there is only the last barrier to go over—the “ Legislative Council barrier.” Now, this “ barrier ” is of peculiar construction and peculiar materials. You never know how to tackle it. If you go hard for what looks like a soft spot, it’s hard, and you upset some small bones; and if you go with a good bold stroke at what loots a hard place, it’s soft, and you sprain an arm. Well, Pve been thinking this over and seeking the cue, and with humility I suggest tho following :—Find every small storekeeper in favour of the Shop Hours Bill, there’s plenty of them, get them to say “down barrier," and there will be a clear track.—l am, &c., SHOP HOURS BILL.