THE EXTRA HALF HOUR

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 19

THE EXTRA HALF HOUR

Daylight Saving Act

ABOLITION URGED BY FARMERS’ UNION

Claiming that the Daylight Saying Act forced the farmers of Southland to “swing lanterns in the dark on these late autumn mornings,” members of the Southland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday expressed strong criticism of the Act. The opinion was expressed that the Act adversely affected the farmer and was one of the reasons men were not keen to accept work in the country. _ The discussion arose from a rermt from the Gummies Bush branch that the date for the cessation of daylight saving be advanced to the last Sunday in March.” Mr A. H. McLean moved an amendment that the Act should be repealed altogether. The farmers were the only ones affected, he said, and they were adversely affected. People in eI J occupations had no further need of daylight saving. Farmers had to rise half an hour earlier, and - they had to have the milk at the factory by' 8.45 a.m. because of shorter working hours at the factory. They might also have to deliver it even earlier in the future. Then the farmers would have to get up another quarter of an hour earlier. The amendment was carried with a few dissentient votes.

“And if they don’t put it into operation,” added Mr McLean, “all the farmers should keep their milk at home.