EARLY CLOSING.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 961, 20 November 1882, Page 2

EARLY CLOSING.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Tlie lengthening of: the .twilight having roused the desires of some of my fellow counter-hands for early closing, will yon kindly allow me space for a few remarks on this subject as exemplified by past experience in Patea. Some three and a half years ago a movement was made which resulted in the signatures of the leading storekeepers being obtained, as willing to close at seven. This arrangement held good for a few weeks ; but gradually things began to get in the old groove again and it was (for paltry reasons) unanimously given up. Some time after, a second attempt was made ; hut this time six o’clock closing was the idea ; however, excuses for refusing to do so were not slow and the -whole thing dropped through. Nothing daunted by this, a third attempt was made, which well nigh proved successful. Meetings of both employers and 'employees were held, and it si emed as if our time was at hand, but at the laid moment two storekeepers turned stubborn, and, ns the least pretext- served as a reason for hacking out, those who had agreed to close refused, because in one case the stubborn individual sold boots, while with others groceries were the grounds for various shuflles. The only good outcome of this attempt has been the closing at seven o’clock of two of (he leading stores. There are only three classes interested in the matter—the public, the employers, and the employees. The first-named are not all likely to move for early-closing ; therefore it lies with the other two to see what is to be done. The employers have the best of it, and if they are against any alteration, there is no prospect for the employees but the same drudgery as heretofore. If, however, they are in favor of six o’clock, or (as I have heard hinted) of closing early on three da} T s a week, let (hem cab a meeting and : discuss the question on its merits. Till then I would adtise all employees to steer clear of the whole concern, as otherwise they will 'not only receive no thanks for any trouble they may. go to in the matter, but they are sure to meet with receptions hot quite in accordance with either good breeding or ordinary counter civility. While on this subject I may say that it says very little for Patea merchants that Hawera, Manaia, and Normanhyshould have Wednesday half-holidays, while we cannot even get six o’clock closing.—Yours, &c., Counter-Jumper.