The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1911. THE HOLIDAY MUDDLE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 100, 17 June 1911, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 1911. THE HOLIDAY MUDDLE.

Yesterday Mr. 11. B. Anderson, Secrotary to tho Stratford Retailors’ Association, desiring to sot at rest the doubt as to whether tho Prince of Wales’ Birthday or the King’s Coronation Day, or any or either of them, were compulsory holidays under the Factories Act, or Shops and Offices Act, approached the local Inspector, Sergeant Cullen, who frankly admitted that ho did not know, not yet having a copy of the new Act in ids possession. Mr. Anderson thereupon asked if there would be any objection to his telegraphing Wellington on tire, matter, the Sergeant courteously replying 'that, so far as ho was concerned, there was none. Mr. Anderson thereupon telegraphed asking; for a definite answer to a simple* question, signing his message officially as Secretary of the Retailers’ Association. Our readers may imagine Mr. Anderson’s astonishment, surprise, and disgust, to find himself deliberately snubbed per telegraphic reply, for presuming to trouble the majesty of tno Chief inspector’s office with a query winch only affected the peace and convenience of a few thousand people. The reply received was: “.Please consult local inspector, Sergeant Cullen, re holidays.— Lomas.” The position is as it was, and, to make if even more ludicrous, Sergeant Cullen has received official notice—by lengthy telegram- tiiat the position with regard to the coming holiday is “very much tho same” as it was with regard to the observance of King’s Birtiiciay. As our readers may remember, on that occasion there was much tribulation as to whether Saturday or Monday must ho observed. Tho Department did not appear to know, and only succeeded in further obscuring tho outlook by a weird-ly-worded, but nicely type-written letter of alleged direction. Really, this sort of thing is too bad. Docs nobody know where wo are? So far as Stratford is concerned the bold Retailers’ Association is to take the bull by the horns and face its horrid doom by observing Thursday—Coronation Day—as a full holiday, and tin's year, at any rate, offering their wares as usual upon the Prince's Birthday—even if it moans imprisonment for life!