SHOP HOURS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20570, 22 May 1930, Page 14

SHOP HOURS.

Sir,—lt is to be hoped (hat the pre- * sent committee of inquiry into the question of shopping hours will result, in more consideration for the needs of the general public. At present the great majority, of those employed during the day have only one opportunity—oll Friday "night—to got what they need. A great many young women employed as clerks,' typists, etc., ofteji have to make use of their lunch hour, resulting in very little lunch, all because the shops hear their homes selling these necessities are closed too early for them. It takes a whole fortnight from date of ordering before a man who is in daily employment can get a suit made to measure. This is an al> solute fact. The crews of overseas ships calling at this port buy little or nothing here in the way of clothes. Maybe because everybody is, doing so well hero they can afford tq _ close early and turn money awav. .Yet amusement, at the picture theatres with their voting employees, can be bought up till 10 p.n:.I venture to suggest that it would he a big improvement if (he late Friday night was abolished and clothing and drapers' shops allowed to remain open till 8.30 every night, bringing them more into line with fruit, tobacco and lollie shop's: Saturdays till 12.30. The larger shops might perhaps object to this, though at present I do not know of anyone grumbling at the chance to earn more money; bo'sides, the public-convenience should come first. Tho shops being open away from the congested areas would, I am sure, bo a great boon to the public and a help tq the shopkeepers themselves. 'Daily Worker.