Return to Normal Banking Hours Sought

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 281, 28 November 1945, Page 2

Return to Normal Banking Hours Sought

Tho Feilding Chamber of Commerce at a meeting on Alonday evening turned down a proposal to approach the Trading Banks with a request that they now revert to normal hours, particularly in regard to closing time. Air. P. C. Miles brought the question forward saying that at a meeting of the Feilding branch of the Law Society on Alonday afternoon, it had been agreed to ask tho banks to revert to 3 o ’clock closing as the early closing was proving of considerable inconvenience to business interests. He asked that the Chamber support the request of the legal fraternity. Air. If. V. Hubbard seconded the proposal.

Mr. AI. N. Ingram reminded the meeting that the banks were not yet free from staffing problems and the reason no change back to the pre-war hours had been made was because of the shortage of staff. There was still a very large number of members of banking staff away witli the forces and until all returned he questioned whether any alteration would be possible. Although banks shut their doors at 2 p.m., the staff continued working until often 5.30 and 6 p.m.

Air. Al. Hausmann suggested that it was unreasonable for business interests to press for longer banking hours when they (the business interests) for self same reasons were only giving a restricted service.

Air. P. G. Guy agreed that it was not fair to ask the banks to revert while they were facing staff problems and Air. S. E. Addis said that the problem was being accentuated by tho fact that a number of bank personnel were not returning to their pre-war jobs,.but were striking out in new ventures. However, the banks were still among those which remained open for business on Baturday mornings (laughter). The motion to support the legal fraternity was defeated on a vote being taken.