HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15183, 31 March 1917, Page 2

HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION.

TO THB BDXTOE, Sir,—Under the heading of the 27th appears a letter from Mr Travers, wherein he asks null the Saturday halfholiday have any material effect on business in Wanganui. I have no hesitation in sayhm it will,- because | have letters from tiio prieipal cities in tho Dominion which prove it has made a great decrease in the returns since Saturday has been observed. I am quite aware I can remain open, but I also know we cannot do the business which we have formerly done. Mr Travers says the Saturday naif-holiday has been proved a success in Australia. In answer to this I may state it is onlv in the city where it was observed. I was through ■ Australia last year, and if Mr Travers or Mr Gibson went to the suburbs they would have found these places very busy. For instance, Balmain is far larger thin Wanganui, and you would find all the business people there very busy. Wanganui is very different from the cities. We owe our success in the town to the country, who largely support us, and if the Saturday holiday is carried I venture to say this trade will he directed elsewhere. Being a business man I have made inquiries, and I am directly opposed to the reform for the' reasons shown above, and I trust the public of Wanganui will still be progressive and let the holiday question remain as at present.—l am, etc* - W. S. DUSTIN.