HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 14101, 29 April 1919, Page 5

HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —The supporters of Saturday half-holiday are making a big noise about the 170 live business men who are allegedly in favour of Saturday closing. A casual glance through the list shows that no less than SO per cent, of those signatures arc either dentists, lawyers, merchants, accountants, stockagents, and other professional men who already close on Saturday afternoons. and all the others have the option of closing on Saturday if it suits their individual trades. I want to lay stress on the point that the two proposals are not equal, for if Saturday comes into force there is no option for traders but to close up on their best, day. But, on the other hand, if Wednesday closing carries the day, then those who care to make the change may take the Saturday holiday. Now, if the allegedly large number of Saturday closers are so anxious for the weekend holiday, why do they not of their own accord shut down and leave tho others that Saturday closing does not suit to have the mid-week holiday. I have received reliable information that the deductions I have brought before vour readers are precisely the same that were the deciding factor when the Borough Council had the deciding of the question, and I am glad to know that my own ideas coincide with the opinions of those who had better facilities for gauging the merits of the question than I have had. I a gain urge the electors to vote solidly for■tne retention of the Wednesday half-holi-daj. I am, B q’CALLAGHAN.