CHRISTMAS CLOSING.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18802, 25 November 1932, Page 8

CHRISTMAS CLOSING.

POSITION AT CAMBRIDGE. BUSINESSMEN NOT UNANIMOUS. At a meeting of Cambridge business people, it was decided that the late shopping night during Christmas and New Year be observed on the Saturday of each week and application be made to have the statutory half-holi-day on the preceding Monday. The Mayor, Mr. C. 11. Priestly, presided, and impressed on the meeting the necessity for a unanimous issue. They should put out of their minds what Auckland and Hamilton had decided, and do what would be of most benefit to a farming district. At this stage it was moved and seconded that the late closing during Christmas week be on Friday night" and the usual Saturday half-day he observed.

As an amendment Mr. A. D. Sayers moved that (lie half-day lie on Wednesday and tlie shops remain open on Saturday night. Tlie amendment was seconded by Mr. Geo. Calvert.

Mr, S. Vale said the thought lie had was that business people in Hamilton would wish Cambridge to have a different closing day. If Cambridge did not do tlie same as Hamilton, many would go there to do their Christmas shopping. It was mentioned that there was the possibility of at least one big firm remaining open on the Friday night. The amendment to close on Friday night, and remain open on Saturday, night of each week, was carried with one dissentient.

It was also carried that the meeting apply to the Department of Labour to have the statutory half-day in each week on the Monday. Differences of Opinion. Since the meeting, some of the Cambridge business people have stated that they differ from tlie decision of Ihe meeting, and that they will remain open as usual on the Friday night of each week and close at mid-day on Saturday. There is also a strong feeling against tlie observance of the statutory halfday on the Monday preceding the long night.