ARE HOLIDAYS BENEFICIAL?

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11181, 1 February 1897, Page 3

ARE HOLIDAYS BENEFICIAL?

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I was giad to see your article on holidays. Unfortunately, I have not had many real holidays in my time, that is, not many long ones; hut what I have had I found did me a groat deal of good. I wish with all my heart that everyone could have at least a fortnight every year, with money sufficient to allow a real good time. We have in New Zealand some lovely scenery, but how few comparatively speakin g ever see it ? My impression is that only a very small portion of the human race enjoy life as it should be enjoyed. It is not only the poor who are deprived of holidays/ but often those who i are considered well to do. I have known an editor of a weekly paper to he without a holiday for years,' and every week he has had to find fresh matter, and I never knew him to give a single repetition. A feat of that kind, is a much heavier task than some people are aware of. Again, I have known clerks —I know them now—who have not had a holiday for years. Day in and day out, and often night-work, they have toiled on, and I have often thought and still think that a week or two’s travelling 'ivould do them so much good. It is a pity that their employers cannot look at it in the same light as T do. Why, if I could, I would even give prisoners who behaved themselves well a holiday now and again. Life is so short and often so full of trials that I am simply surprised at a medical man asking the question whether holidays are beneficial or otherwise. If a vote were taken on the question I should vote for holidays on full pay.—l am, &c., DESIDERATUM.