SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3184, 20 April 1872, Page 2

SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY ASSOCIATION.

to the editor.

Sir—About the strongest reason why the half-holiday should be successful is one whick I happened to hear to-day from the lipa of a.. publican, who keeps a most centrally situated hotel. He was greatly in favour of the movement at first, as he thought it would be a good thing for him were it successfullycarried out; but he has found to his astonishment that his takings for the last two Saturdays have been £5 less each night. He ia now wild at its success, and does all he canto poison the minds of his visitors against it. Others possibly may think that what is a loss to the publican is a gain to the community, and if they do so they should do all they can to prevent its falling through. IU people were just to say to themselves, WeH,[if we don't buy, there Avill be no temptatioa. for them to keep the shops open, the diffi,culty would be got rid of at once. Aa the sea is composed of drops of water, so it is ____ the power of every one to do his share t» make it as successful as all thoughtful men so heartily Avish.— I am, &c,

A Well-wisher.

April 19th,

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir—ln your issue of Wednesday last, yottr gave the public to understand that you have no connection Avith the writing of "Casual Notes." I can Avell believe this, and thewriter's remarks on the early closing mo-ve-ment prove to me that you have not. Tot, allow that "Q's" effusions have done the Association either good or harm wonld Prepaying him a most extravagant compliment;, for while his abilities as a Avriter may be gooe^ yet the want of " moral worth" displayed in "Casual Notes" destroys the influence? they might otherwise be expected to exert- " Q." says that " the admiration of ability, without moral worth, leads finally to the admiration of the evil one himself;" therefore am I warned to be careful in admiring the possible ability with which the "Casual Notes " are Avritten ; Avhilst I am unaware of the motives which induced, their author to commit himself to sentiments, seemingly the morbid offspring of a malicious natui®. The Association have never to my knowledge used such strong language as "Q."would have the public suppose, and even the bitterest opponent of the movement cannot with truth assert that theyhave attempted bullying in any shape or form whatever. But, supposing thafc some members have expressed, hi strong terms, their opinion of a feAV shopkeepers who opened their places of business lasfc Saturday afternoon, in spite of their -writtenL promise to give the movement a fair tria^, what wonder is there in that ? And is this "Casual Notes" writer the most fit person: to find fault with them ?

A consistent monitor, truly, is he to declaim, against the use of strong terms. It is: perfectly legitimate, of course, for " Q. w t«jL use such expressions as " toadies," "sickening sycophancy," "disgusting," &c, while writing upon a matter that does not affect hint in the most remote degree ; but let others, who are struggling to obtain a great audi.. needed reform, dare to describe deceit as "detestable," and he immediately perceives? the beginning of " terrorism in our midst.'* It is amusing to note the change whicli has occurred in "Q.s" opinion. About, a, week ago, in referring to the possibility of the half-holiday turning out a failure, ha uses these Avords :—" If it be so, it will because, not only for regret, but for shame,, after all the professions and protestations that have been indulged in." And vvhat reason does he give for his change of opinion ? Mark it well:—Because certain, individuals have spoken or written some objectionable phrases ! The movement, then, is bad because of tho private action of one or two of its supporters. Following out this reasoning, every great reform that lias been, accomplished in the past was bad, as no good work has ever been brought to a successful termination without some, indiscretion: having been committed by one or more of its promoters. If " Q." is opposed, to the Saturday Half-Holiday, let km* speak out in his true colours, and nofc as a pretended friend. The Association;, are not afraid, to hear reason, aud desire, nothing better than fair and free discussions. The cause is good and will bear the lights and the more it is thought over in a fair and earnest spirit the stronger will become everybody's conviction that great good would result both to employers and employed by the: half-holiday becoming a permanent institution. Let the public only act as they have promised, and refrain from purchasing after one o'clock on Saturdays, and it Avill sooi* become so.

* Trusting your impartiality will allow this letter to appear. —1 am, &c.,

19th April.