The Half-Holiday Question.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5256, 11 May 1895, Page 6

The Half-Holiday Question.

fPuR Pbxss Association.] AUCKLAND, Mat 10. Mr Orowther M.H.E., to-day telegraphed to the Premier as follows -.— " Doubtless you are aware a resolution waß passed on May 7, by a large and influential meeting of shopkeepers, asking that there should bo no further proseoutions for closing on Wednesday instead of Saturday until Parliament has again dealt with this vexed question. Considering the present state of feeling in Auokland, I strongly recommend you to comply with their request, thereby quietening the enmity that at present exists." The following reply has beon received by Mr C. E. Button, M.H.E., from the Hon W. P. Beeves snent the resolution passed at a meeting of shop-keepers at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association on Tuesday last : — " I have to acknowledge your ooarteay in forwarding the resolution in, i reference to closing day. Whilst observing with pleasure that tho shop-keepers recognise the importance of a weekly halfholiday, I have to point out what to yon as a lawyer and a legislator must be selfevident, that the Government has no power to interfere with the operation of the Act. Only a few weeks can now elapse before the meeting of Parliament, and any seotion o! the Auckland, pablio that feels aggrieved maythen takeYteps to alter 'the law."