THE WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14975, 22 April 1909, Page 5

THE WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I understand that a report is being freely circulated to the effect that the Saturday half-holiday' proved a success in Nelson and gave general satisfaction. This is distinctly untrue. After a trial of twelve months the great majority of those doing a retail trade in the city were profoundly dissatisfied and petitioned the City Council in favour of AVednosday being restored as the half-holiday. The number of petitioners for Wednesday was one hundred and twenty-two, while a similar petition for Saturday bore but thirtysix signatures. As far as it is possible to judge by appearances, the working men and their wives strongly support the Wednesday half-holiday and the Saturday late night, llany retailers were heavy losers during tl;e year of experiment, and there are some who are convinced that the restoration of tho Saturday half-holiday means nothing short of ruin. 1 believe that the result of the poll will show that the people of Nelson regard the Joss of trade and public convenience as too high a price to pay for the added pleasure of a few shop assistants.—l am, etc., DAVID AI’KEE AVRIGHT. Nelson, April 19, 1909.