SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15791, 16 June 1913, Page 2

SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY.

FIRST DAY'S EXPERIENCE. ,- (Per United Press Association.) :; AUCKLAND, June 15. The opinions of tradesmen are divided regarding the closing of shops on Saturday night, which came into force last night for the first time. Some are quite satisfied with the new 6ystem ; but others—small business men especially— think differently. AJI are agreed that the first late Friday was not a success, but bad weather prevailed, and it is held that this may have • had same effect on Mie position. "v ; - V: .'A.;. THE EFFECT IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Per United Press Association.)' .: CHRISTCHURCH, June 15. M Yesterday the shop assistants in Chrictchurch and. the districts in the vicinity of the city experienced the pleasure of ceasing work for the day at 1 o'clock, as a result of the recent poll fixing Saturday as the day on which the weekly halfholiday is to bo observed. Very fine weather prevailed, and the various attractions provided in the shape of football and hockey games were well patronised. The effect of the change in the day of the halfholiday was fully apparent in the streets during the .afternoon. As a rule on Saturday the streets of. the city are thronged by people parading up and down. Yesterday they wore a comparatively deserted appearance. All the shops, of course, were closed, and there was really nothing to keep the people in town. Even the hotels were poorly patronised. In the morning, on the other hand, the city appeared to be unusually busy and animated. It was the last opportunity for shopping beforethe week end,.and the retail establishments were kept going at top speed to satisfy the demands of customers. Between 12 and 1 was an exceptionally busy period, and : many" of the shops were positively rushed during tins interval. There were big crowds in the streets on Saturday night.