DAYLIGHT SAVING MEETS CRITICISM FROM BUILDERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18406, 7 March 1928, Page 12

DAYLIGHT SAVING MEETS CRITICISM FROM BUILDERS.

NO BENEFIT TO SPORT, SAYS MR W. H. WINSOR

Some interesting views on the advantages and disadvantages of daylight saving were given at last night’s meeting of the Canterbury Builders’ Association.

The subject was opened by Mr F. Watson, who moved; “That the association express its disapproval of daylight saving.” A humorous touch was supplied by a Scottish member present, a staunch supporter of Mr Sidey. Under the impression that Mr Watson was in favour of daylight saving, he seconded the motion. The chairman (Mr G. D. Simpson) expressed surprise, and reading the motion asked him whether he would still second it.

“No fear," replied the Scotsman, thoroughly alarmed. “ Not on your life.” A seconder to the motion was found, and discussion proceeded. Mr Watson contended that employees had worked much better during the past two days, under the old conditions, than when the Summer Time Act was in force. Formerly, the men had been more sluggish, seeming to suffer from lack of sleep. The speaker considered that the farmers’ views ought also to be considered. Strong opposition to Mr Sidey's Act had been advanced by the dairy farmers, who certainly had some grounds for complaint. “ As far as sport is concerned, I do not think much benefit is derived,” said Mr Watson. “ I am a fishing enthusiast, and if I desire more fishing, I get up earlier.”

The speaker said that, he had experienced a great deal of difficulty in getting the children to bed during daylight saving. With the extra hour of daylight, children played as long as they could and thus lost an hour’s sleep. They would not go to sleep if put to bed, as after being accustomed to going to bed in the dark they could not sleep when it was still light.

“ Daylight saving is against human nature,” declared another speaker. “ Schoolmasters have informed me that the children appeared less energetic during daylight saving, and that they were drowsy at the commencement of school instead of displaying the usual amount of vigour and health.” The secretary (Mr W. H. Winsor) said that his personal observations were that daylight saving had not benefited sport, particularly cricket. During Summer Time, many cricketers went home to tea and then went to practice, having a few hours of daylight before them. They did not display the same keenness, and with the knowledge that there was plenty of time ahead, were too slack. They were not as keen as in former years.

“ With the loss of an hour’s sleep, the children are drowsy and effortless," continued Mr Winsor. “ Schoolmasters say that the mentality of the children was not the same and that physically, also, the children were affected. Those who get the worst of the deal are, however, the womenfolk. The women work during the hours of daylight, and while daylight saving was in force they worked one hour longer, thus losing one hour's sleep. An interjector asked why there were no complaints from England or Scotland, where daylight saving is in operation. Mr Winsor: There is longer twilight there, and the conditions are different from those in New Zealand. Further discussion took place, opinion being evenly divided. The chairman remarked that it was too early yet to express an opinion. In a few months' time the members would all be wanting daylight saving again. On the motion being put, it was lost by 13 votes to 12.