Early Closing.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6829, 17 April 1890, Page 2

Early Closing.

TO THE KDITOE. Sib, — From a shopkeeper's point of view, early closing is a good thing for those large stores who do the high-class trade, and •whose patrons have ample time to shop when they please. It means they have found a means of closing the middle-class shop 3 at their own hours, thus largely taking the customers of that class of shops into their hands also, without; a sacrifice of anything on their part. From the small shopkeeper's point of view it is very nice too, as it means they keep open and do douhle trade on the plea of | insignificance ; and they are doing it, as witness those of Manchester street, and Sydenham, &c. But what is going to counterbalance the loss of custom to the middle-elaes shopkeeper? That'tr what I want to know. Who are the fools ? The agreement of early closing was on the understanding that all the drapers, bootmakers, tailors, and hatters closed, but unless it includes big and little, as was ably pointed out by the Rev Mr Isitt, it is injustice, and must fall. Was it a fact, whilst a mob led on by the Early Closing Association was hooting outside one hatter's shop on Saturday night, another hatter within three minutea' walk was brilliantly open and doing busineßr unmolested? Is King Mob going to rule New Zealand, and, if so, is he specially retained by the Early Closing Association ? — I am, &c, ONE OP THEM. TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— "Will you allow me to draw the attention of Mr E. Clark to the fishmongers' assistant in the day time, and obliging waiters in the evening. Why should they not have their hours shortened ? Anybody having a knowledge of oyster saloon business knows that they do a day and a quarter, and very often on /Sunday they have to clean up, and are sometimes asked to pick poultry, or find a \ substitute, if wanting a Sunday themselves. I'm sure all those that are in sympathy with early closing wonld say it is time the oyster saloons closed, as well as other trades. — I am, &c, LIVE AND LET LIVE.