EARLY CLOSING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6887, 24 June 1890, Page 4

EARLY CLOSING.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — The opponents of this reformation have sent out their dictum, with a flourish of would-make-believe it represents nearly the whole of the retail traders in and around Christchurch; but not a single name is mentioned of those who are the movers in this opposition, or who are their supporters. It reminds one of a very old story. Boy says : "Mother, there were thousands of cats in our garden. I saw our old Tom and another." But to the business in hand. Their object is evidently to dexterously influence the speakers and the community who will take part in the next public meeting, so that the verdict given at the Tuam street hall should be reversed. I believe their chance i 3 as, say, a belltopper to a Lombard street (or Hereford street) orange. For the past two months the principal grocers, with one exception, have closed their shops at six every night. • Not one of those grocers were present at the above meeting for the purpose of advocating keeping open their shops after six on Saturdays. Two of those who have been steadfast informed me that their, trade had improved since they had adopted six o'clock as the hour of closing every night. One other, when questioned, put on a most satisfied, bland smile. Others say they have done their full complement of trade, and saved a large portion of their expenses, lighting, &c, enjoyed their Saturday evenings, and secured the goodwill of their assistants. The only grocer who was present to support the keeping open on Saturday nights has already become famous for the many changes, he having faced nearly every point of the compass of the early closing movement. Let such, to use their own words, "stand alone." So much for the representation of the grocers. Now for the representation of the suburbs. I believe only one suburban tradesman was present, and he gave his experience of closing at six o'clock—" that although his trade was not quite up to what it was when he kept hi_ shop open eight hours per week longer than at present, the small deficit was more than compensated by the saving in expenses." So much for the meeting being unanimous. Now for dictum, first paragraph: "Not only a positive inconvenience to a large section of the community, but would divert trade." Who should be the best judges, those who have tried the experiment or those who have not P The evidence of the grocers who had been true to the principles of early closing is a direct contradiction. It appears that some of these retail traders have suffered because they were opposed to early closing, while those who have the good of the movement at heart have, very naturally, withdrawn their patronage from their opponents and given it to their friends— this is where the. boot pinches. In second and third paragraphs— "Thfe extraordinary liberal treatment and pay" may be true to a degree, bnt how many are paid the small pittance of from \ five to twenty-five shillings per week,' and have to work overtime to make up for holidays, &c. Fourth paragraph — "We are further convinced from the many assurances that we have received from our customers that one late night each week is absolutely necessary for the wage-earning class of the community." The principal grocers closing is a direct denial to this paragraph. In support of early closing we have the unanimous arguments and votes of the crowded meeting held in the Tuam street hall aB against the small meeting held in the Corn Exchange, where the arguments were not unanimous. Fifth paragraph— "There are many other good and valid reasons in support of ' our contention." One. advanced was that often mendings were required to mend the stockings for Sunday. Wonderful] The good housewife would, take care to, have her mend-'i ing done before Saturday-night, and those ( who do not should not be encouraged in their ■ dilatory ways. Another argument is, "the ( city Bhould be made attractive at night."

I suppose in order to display the tinsel and shoddy, and thereby tempt the unwary to purchase what would not pass muster in the light of day. There is a worse side to this question by the glare and under the shadows of tho gas-light : vice is then in full force, and the young folks are often thus tempted from their homes and the path of virtue. I commend this to the consideration of those shopkeepers and city fathers who profess to have a care for the morality of the people. The strongest argument in favour of late shopping is, " that a working man can get into town to purchase his clothing, boots, &c, only on Saturday nights." To this I reply : All who are in constant employment, could easily get half a day when they wanted to make their purchases, by working a little earlier or later to make up for the lost time to their employers. The working man would not lose anything, and there would not be the need to keep a whole army of shopkeepers and their assistants in attendance even for this section of the community, who, if they wished, could easily accommodate themselves to this reform. I would counsel the Early Closing Association to deliberate and act with firmness, and they and their friends may join in my motto, EXCELSIOE.