Early Closing.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6832, 21 April 1890, Page 3

Early Closing.

TO THE EDITOR.

i Sir, — Let us have early closing by all meanß, it it can be made compatible with the convenience of trade. But to a disinterested person it would seem that the Association (probably carried away by excess of zeal) regard the matter purely as — Employee 1, employer 2, customers nowhere. I would timidly suggest that the interests to be studied are in exactly inverse ratio to the above. Most persons are agreed that the business of the day might easily be compressed within shorter hours, without losing anything by the operation, but the success ot the movement must depend entirely upon the support accorded by the public, who are the masters of the assistants' masters. If the Association will confine itself to its legitimate function of endeavouring to persuade the i public not to shop after a stated hour, ! they will deserve, and doubtless receive, S the sympathy and assistance of all ; right-thinking persons, and thus the ; desired end will be achieved. It j is to be hoped we shall hear ; no more of that most obnoxious of noxious ' words — "boycott" — and please, oh please ! let us do without the aid of more legislation i and its consequent taxation in this severely : government-ridden country. If the larger I establishments agree among themselves to ' close at a certain time, they are, or should ! be, strong enough to act independently of | the minor places of business. In a ; small community such as this there is 1 very little, if auy, of what is termed ' " chance trade. " Mrs B. knows exactly j where to buy the article which j she has impressed on Mr B. is " positively j necessary, my dear," and I will warrant : she will take care to shop early ere hubby i repents. To make it compulsory for the I small aad struggling shopkeeper to sacri- i fice even the smallest portion ot his takings ; is nothing short of an act of tyranny which ; will never be permitted. Whilst wishing j the E.C.A. success, I would remind them ■ that notwithstanding the exodus of many j of our best citizens during late years, j there probably still remains sufficient of I tho British element that will reject and j resist any interference with the liberties of ; the people, be it an attempt at foisting ; upon them early closing, prohibition, or j any whim of a particular section, and any j man worthy of tho name, though perhaps | easily convinced and led, will never con- j cent to be driven. — I am, &c,

0. EED FERN.

Manchester street.