THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8263, 23 May 1890, Page 6

THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT.

SUPPORT OF THE TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCIL. The early closing movement was under discussion at a meeting of the Auckland Trades and Labour Council yesterday evening. Mr. George Fowlds wrote forwarding a memorial signed by some hatters and outfitters in Queen-street, opposing "the attempt now being made to close on Saturday afternoons, whilst the suburban shops were allowed to keep open." The memorial stated that the signatories believed that the movement was only a partial one. They personally were prepared to support any movement which shortened the hours of labour, but felt ic unfair to compel shops in Queen-street to close at two p.m. on Saturdays, whilst outside shops were permitted to keep open. They were prepared to grant a half-holiday on Thursday. The signatures to the memorial were as follow :—G. Fowlds, J. W. Shackelford, W. H. Potter, Hallenistein Bros, and Co., J. Mulligan, Moore, N. Goldwater, and W. H. Fenton and Co. Mr. Freeman introduced Messrs. Ruueiman and T. Queree, two delegates from the Auckland branch of the Early Closing Association. Mr. Runciman St.id that they came to ask information regarding the rules, etc., of the Council. Speaking of the memorial just read, he pointed out that it came only from a few hatters, whilst all the large storekeepers, on the other hand, were on the side of early closing. They had the name of Hallenatein Brothers on the list of those who signed as willing to support the early closing movement, if the movement was unanimous. (Laughter.) He said they had not only the principal drapers on their side, but eight or ten jewellers, and a number of other tradesmen had also expressed their willingness to assist them. As for the Thursday half-holiday, the drapers would not make any attempt for that; _ they would not be bothered with all the bickering that would arise if they asked for it. Mr. Runciman pointed out _ that the advocates of early closing had received many subscriptions from wholesale firms and travellers. He showed how the public were giving their support to this movement, stating that since the agitation had begun many people had refrained from shopping on Saturday afternoons, and the trade in many of the shops on that afternoon had greatly fallen off. It was reasonable to suppose that if the people would not shop in QueenStreet on a particular day they would not shop in Newton. He was certain that if those who were working in this cause endeavoured to make it succeed throughout the whole city at once, they would never get early closing. The question was ripe for settlement in Queen-street, and when they had succeeded there, the rest would very soon follow. There was only one man's signature about whom they cared .anything in the petition read that night; and why should that one man be permitted to control 50 other men who were in favour of early closing ? (Hear, hear.) The majority always ruled. Mr. Preston moved, " That this Council resolve to do their utmost to assist the Early Closing Association in their efforts, and to Further this, will endeavour to secure that employers pay their wages on Fridays, instead of Saturdays." Mr. Stevenson seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. The Council passed a vote of thanks to Messrs. Runciman and Queree for their attendance.