THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1211, 17 May 1895, Page 31

THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

Auckland, May 10. Mr CrOWther, M.H.8., to-day telegraphed %o the Premier as follows : —“ Doubtless yoii are aware a resolution was passed on the 7th inst. by a large and influential meeting of shopkeepers asking that they be not further prosecuted for closing on Wednesday instead of Saturday until Parliament has again dealt with this vexed question. Considering the present state of feeling in Auckland, I strongly recommend you to comply with their request, thereby quietening the enmity that at present exists.” s . The following reply has been received by Mr C. E. Button, M.H.8., from the Hon W. P. Beeves anent the resolution passed at a meeting of shopkeepers at the Y.M.C.A. Booms on Tuesday last: —“I have to acknowledge your courtesy in forwarding the resolution re the closing day. Whilst observing with pleasure that the shopkeepers recognise the importance of a weekly half-holiday, I have to point out what to you, as a lawyer and a legislator, must be self-evident —that the Government has no power to interfere with the operation of the Act. Only a few weeks can now elapse before the meeting of Parliament, and any section of the Auckland, public that feel aggrieved may then take steps to alter the law.” Auckland, May 11. The Mayor of Onehunga to-day received a telegram from the Hon W. P. Beeves asking if notice had been given of the intention to fix a day for the weekly halfholiday for shopkeepers. The Mayor telegraphed in reply that this had not been done, whereupon Mr Beeves telegraphed suggesting that the Mayor should fix a day. The Mayor declines to do this, but will leave it to the public meeting of the burgesses of Onehunga to fix the day. This afternoon most of the shops in Karangahape road were open as usual, and the ordinary amount of business appeared to be doing. In Queen street, however, the majority of the business establishments were closed. During the afternoon JpspectQr : Fcrgu§gon made a round of the

shbp§, and took a note of the establishments open. Auckland,- May 13. The PrCmier telegraphs to Mr Crowther, M;H;Ri, ih rfepl# tef liis telegram regarding the half-holiday, that those Who fixed Saturday are to blame; not the Government,for the hardship entailed. At a public meeting at Onehunga a resolution was carried in favour of closing on Wednesdays.