THE OBSERVANCE OF ANNIVERSARY DAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19075, 21 May 1930, Page 6

THE OBSERVANCE OF ANNIVERSARY DAY.

LAND AGENTS DISCUSS QUESTION OF HOLIDAY. The question of the observance of Anniversary*Day (December 16) as a holiday came up for discussion at the annual meeting of the Real Estate Institute of Canterbury 'and Westland last evening. It was decided that the committee should see if it could arrange for other organisations to cooperate with it in regard to the observance of the day as a holiday. The .subject was introduced by Mr H. W. Heslop, who said that, as long as he had his notice up as a real estate agent, he intended to observe the holi day. They were in danger of becoming too mercenary. He was speaking not i only as a real estate agent, but also as a citizen of Christchurch. If there whs one province that owed a debt of gratitude to its pioneers, it was Canterbury*. He referred to the hardships which were endured by the pioneers, and said that he was proud to be descended from such people. Unless they had some day set apart to mark such occasions, there was a very big danger that they would forget. The president (Mr C. E. Jones) seconded the motion pro forma. He said that last year it had been represented to him that the banks were not, closing on Anniversary Day, that the Law Society had deleted it from its list of holidays, and that it was too near the Christmas holidays. If AnniversaryDay* could be observed on a Sunday’ and a proper memorial service held, it would be all right, but if it was merelv a day* on which members could go fishing or motoring, he did not think that it would be honouring the memories of the pioneers. Mr A. C. Hullett opposed the removal of Anniversary Day from the list of holidays. Mr H. C. Smith, in supporting the motion, said that other less important holiday’s had crept in. Anniversary* Day should be made a real day for reviving memories of the pioneers. Mr F. C. Wade asked if Anniversary Day* was observed in the proper manner. Unless it could be made a community affair, it was not worth while; carrying on. If they could get the other institutions to join in, then the thing as right. Unless the holiday was made a general one, it would be quite useless. Mr A. W. Jameson moved an amendment that it be a recommendation to the committee to endeavour to have Anniversary* Day* observed as a holiday by the community generally*, by getting other organisations to co-operate. Mr R. S. Badger seconded the amendment, saying that it would be for the ultimate benefit of the insti tute to fall into line with other bodies Mr 11. J. Spratt condemned closing during August and November race weeks. He thought that it would be better to cut out those holidays rathei than Anniversary Day*. The amendment was carried on the voices by a large majority.