WAIMATE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3581, 23 March 1886, Page 3

W AIMA TE.

o THURSDAY HALF-HOLIDAY MOVEMENT. A mooting of tradesmen and othors of Waimato was held yesterday afternoon, m tho Libx'ary, to discuss the feasibility and ■■ advisability of granting the clerks and other , employees of stores and offices, a weokly halfholiday, by closing tho places of business on ! Thursday afternoonß. There was a fair attendance, most of tho leading merchants and storekeepers being represented. The Mayor occupied tho chair. Several tradesmen spoko m favor of tho movement, pointing out that tho holiday would bo very advantageous to tho young mon of the town. Mr Manchester thought that there would bo sonio inconvenience to customers if the holiday wero granted. Any step taken m that direction must bo unanimous, or ho for ono would not bo bound by auy promise of support to it ho might give. Ho did not think that Wairaate reully required the holiday, us there were really very few who would benefit by it. The Chairman asked it the omployces would forfeit half a day's pay. Mr Manchester said he would not entertain tho idea of docking his men's pay. (Applause.) Mr Drayton supposed employees would work ovcrtimo to make up for the tiuio given them. Mr Mitchell supported the idea heartily, but considered that a thorough canvass of the district was neceseary. Mr Williams, as an employee, strongly advocated tho movement, saying he wanted tho half-holiday as much as any employee. Mr Watts thought that the " distributing tradesmen " might require tho holiday, but ho did not think " manufacturing tradesmen," who had the benefit of the eight hours' system, did. After fome further discussion tho meeting was adjourned, no very definite resolution having been arrivod at, but the general feeling being m favour of tho holiday. Further canvassing on the mutter will tako place.