PAID HOLIDAYS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23033, 10 May 1938, Page 13

PAID HOLIDAYS

WORKERS IN ENGLAND SUMMER RUSH EXPECTED CATERING FOR VISITORS [from oun OWN correspondent] LONDON, April 14 English seaside resorts are expected to be more crowded during the summer season this year than ever before. Holidays 'with pay hitherto have been the exception rather than the rule for manual workers. But in the past 12 months the principle of paid holidays hits made very rapid progress and it is estimated that .'3,000,000 men and women will receive the privilege for the first time this year. This unprecedented increase is likely to cause a rush to holiday resorts which will dwarf the business done during Coronation year. In the past many of those who have received unpaid holidays have been able to make little use of them for lack of money, but this year ought to see n big change. Even now approximately 12.000.000 peoplp will not receive paid holidays, but the larger industries are adopting the principle rapidly. The time allowed in various trades will vary from three days to twelve days, with 14 to 21 days in a few instances. Move lor Earlier Vacations Many firms have begun holiday funds to enable their stall's to save enough money to enjoy a real vacation. In the boot and shoe trade the employees contribute equally with employers, men paying Is 2d a week and women and young workers less. A similar scheme is in operation at Leicester in the lambs' wool and worsted yarns spinning industry, the highest contribution being 6d a week. Railway companies, the authorities at seaside resorts and trawl agencies are making special efforts to cater for the holiday rush. Much publicity is being given to the advantages of early holidays. The height of the season at present is during August and September, and efforts are being made to i>ersuade people tligt June and July, when the days are longer, are even better holiday months. At many seaside resorts full programmes of attractions and entertainments are bring prepared to extend right through from Eastor until October.

The Minister of Labour, Mr. E. Brown, has hinted at Government action to assist in spreading the holiday period and to alleviate congestion at the height of the season. All-inclusive European Tours

Although the international political situation has caused many cancellations of bookings to Austrian resorts, the overseas travel agencies are receiving more advance inquiries for summer tours to other European, countries than ever before. Many inquiries have come from employers who contemplate organising parties from among their workers.

With the favourable exchange rates now ruling for the franc, and other Continental currencies, very cheap allinclusive European tours are being offered.

Examples are four days on the Belgian coast for £2 19s 6d. a nine-day tour to Switzerland for £6 4.s 6d, a seven-day trip to Paris for £6 13s, and a 17-day guided rail and walking tour through the Black Forest district of Germany for £9 2s 6d.