THE MARKET DAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 172, 30 November 1868, Page 3

THE MARKET DAY.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE STAB. Sir, — As the reports from the various Road Boards around Christchurch are returned to the City Council, it seems pretty clear that a great deal of apathy and indifference as to the change of market day exists among the small farmers near town. No doubt the majority will be in favour of the change, but from the attitude of the City Council in dealing with the subject, I fear we must not expect much from it in furtherance of the alteration. One member of the Council itself, if not more, is evidently opposed to the half-holiday movement, although others certainly in the most unselfish and liberalminded spirit have been foremost in its support. I think the indifference of the farmers on the subject shows they would not greatly suffer by the change, and as to the arguments brought forward by the opponents of that change, they appear to have been so clearly Bhown to be extremely trifling compared to the generally admitted inconveniences and disadvantages of the Saturday market day, that they ought to have much effect in influencing a decision in favour of an alteration. As one anxious to see the present movement successful, I cannot but feel curious to know if the farmers have taken but one view of the subject— that of any inconvenience occurring to themselves — or if in a more liberal spirit they have thought how much a very little self-denial (should such be at all needed) on their parts would add to the health and pleasure of hundreds now unable to enjoy much of that fresh air which they themselves have no lack of. And again, have the members of the various Road Boards simply made enquiry as to the inconveniences to the farmers' or in any way appealed to their sympnthies for their pentup brethren of the town ? Some, we know, having members conspicuous for their enlarged ideas on most subjects, have not confined themselves to the mere moneygrubbling point of view, but have dwelt more unselfishly on the great benefit that might he bestowed on others. Had this been done by all, I cannot but think there would have been a much larger number in favour of the change. Your obedient servant, COUNTER-JUMPER. Christchurch, Nov. 30, 1868.