FEILDING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 6, 6 December 1930, Page 10

FEILDING.

CHRISTAIAS HOLIDAYS. (Special to “Standard.”) The observance of holidays during the Christmas period was the subject of a lengthy discussion at a representative meeting of Feilding retailers last night, a decision finally being arrived at to observe the usual late night on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and to observe the usual shopping hours on the Saturday following Christmas. Mr A. C. AlcCorkindale presided and expressed his satisfaction at seeing so many present and hoped that the evening’s discussion would be fruitful.

Dealing with the Christmas holiday question, the chairman said the matter was giving rise to considerable difficulties owing to the statutory obligations having to be observed, and it appeared doubtful as to what course could be pursued. At this juncture the secretary read a letter that had been received in Feilding from the Inspector of Factories in Palmerston North, in which it was stated that it was not lawful to have more than one late night in Christmas week, but that the Feilding retailers could decide as to which night they remained open late. Mr F. Taylor said he had attended a meeting of grocers in Palmerston North and it had been decided by 49 votes to five to close on Saturday. To the speaker it appeared that the Feilding retailers should follow on the lines of the Palmerston North retailers. Speaking for the Feilding drapers, Mr S. D. Pearce said he was opposed to closing on the Saturday. Trading at present was difficult enough. The position between employers, and employees’ unions had to be carefullywatched in these days of agitation for shorter working hours, etc., and it might happen that in future, if this holiday is granted, the giving of it voluntarily would be used as a lever - by the unions. Mr C. S. Jeffs endorsed the remarks of Mr Pearce and said he was quite opposed to closing on the Saturday. Mr Law referred to the position as it affected ooal merchants and expressed his displeasure at one coal merchant remaining open during the Christmas holidays whilst another closed. Unfortunately, there was no : award affecting coal merchants, but it was a matter that ought to be settled. Mr F. Kendall observed that, whatever the drapers decided upon, he was in favour of closing on the Saturday provided the Palmerston North grocers did likewise and with this view Mr Fidler agreed, adding that the drapers could easily .close on the Saturday also. Mr A. J. Humphries, however had different views and urged that the drapers remain open. The retailers were in business to serve the public and on this line of argument he thought they should certainly remain open, particularly if the Palmerston North drapers were doing this. Personally he intended keeping his shop open whatever the decision arrived at and he thought publicity should be given to whatever decision was adhered to. A resolution to this effect was moved bv Mr Humphries and seconded by \fr E. Fair, who also spoke in favour

nf the drapers remaining open. Mr J. Campbell thought the meeting bad been wrongly called. From the discussion that had taken place it looked as if individual members of various trades had arrived, at their own decisions and looked as if they would adhere to them whatever the result of the meeting. To Mr Campbell it seemed as if the various trades should have held their own meetings and made their own decisions. From a stationer’s point of view the position was difficult for the distribution of papers, etc., had to be carried out whether there was a holiday or not. Speaking for the butchery trade, Mr G. Watt said he could not say whether Saturday would be observed as a holiday, but the butchers would probably take it if thev could. Messrs H. Smitliers, Pryde and the chairman voiced the opinion that the jewellers would want to remain open for it was frankly admitted that it was at the festive season that this section of the trade did better business. Mr Jeffs regretted that the meeting did not seem to be arriving at any unanimity on the score, of closing on the Saturday or not and to him it seemed futile for some shops to be open and some shut. ' The chairman felt that the local retailers should discuss the business from', their own point of view and not brine Palmerston North into it at all. Thev were in business to serve the Feilding public and this idea should form the motive of their discussion. A general debate ensued on the advisability of deciding on Mr Humphries’s motion at this point, tho motion finally being carried. Mr Campbell then moved that the Feilding retailers observe the usual late night on Christmas and New Year’s Eve and open on the Saturday following Christmas till 5.30 p.m., the usual hour. Mr J. Aitken seconded the motion, which was carried by a laj-ge majority.