THE FORTY-HOUR WEEK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22545, 9 October 1936, Page 15

THE FORTY-HOUR WEEK

Sir, —According to report, Auckland union secretaries are sponsoring a movement to discourage Saturday morning shopping with a view to forcing a fiveday week for all. Judging by the effect already shown of the resuit of many workers having no work to do on Saturdays, this "great experiment" has its serious drawbacks. One observes that thn greatest gainer (expressed in the circulation of cash) is the public house whose returns are saul to have increased greatly since the 6-day week has been observed. Apparently the wife and children will not benefit - in having more money to spend on better food and clothing as was thought. It is a sight that m regretted to see men waiting at 8.30 a.m. on Saturdays for thn ''pubs" to open. The old quotation "Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do" still holds good. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions to this drinking increase. Many men .are able to stay at home and take charge of the family while the wife doets her Saturday's shopping unencumbered bv children. As for the shop assistants, they are not overworked. 'J he greater number work under good conditions, are paid—"hail, rain, or shine"—and receive an annual holiday on lull pay. 1 trust that the woman shopper will not surrender her privilege of Saturday morning shopping at the dictation of any union official. Housewife.