CORRESPONDENCE. THE HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15182, 29 March 1917, Page 8

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

TO THE PDITOS. Sir,—ln reply to Mr Travers' letter, which apwared in the “Herald” of 27th inst., I wish to draw his attention to the fact that he is a bit off the track when he save I was with them two years ago. Allow me to correct him: it is six years back since I took part in the halfholiday question, and the reason I have changed my views is this. I had experienced what business was done in the lower end of the town, but since then I have had convincing proof that Saturday is undoubtedly the best day for business in the upper end of the town. I cannot, for one, think that anyone in his right senses would agitate to close his shop when his best figures for the week are done on the Saturday. It's all very well for your supporters)to. say that business will right itself if Saturday is observed as the holiday, but you cannot jive a guarantee that it will. An old saying is “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Another thing, you compare Wanganui with Wellington. A large part of the trade done on Saturday iu Wanganui is country trade —the only day in the week that the average farmer and farm hand is free to come to town. liesult is, if the shops close on Saturdays, he will trade with the country" stores. As for Wellington, what has it developed into there? In one class of trade, clothing and mercery, they keep open five nights out of six, which means they are after the night trade. Is that not proof enough that it affects them—the closing on Saturday as the half-holiday.—l am, etc., G. H. JACOBS.