THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 466, 26 March 1909, Page 7

THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

DISCUSSED BY THE- SHOPKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

A FIGHTING FUND,

Mr. Horbert Seatoh (president) occupied tho chair at a meeting of tho New Zealand Shopkeepers' Association, held yesterday morning in tho ollico of tho secretary (Mr. H. F. Alien). Tho chief subject for consideration was tho weekly half-holiday question. -To show what was, being dono in Christchurch in support of tho mid-week half-day, a petition, signed by 400 shopkeepers, and setting forth tho reasons why Thursday was preferable to Saturday, was read. The principal arguments used in that document are: (1) That thero was more retail trade dono in Christchurch on Saturday than in any other tlireo days of the week; ('2) that Thursday has given general satisfaction; (3) that it forms an agreeable break in tho week; (4) that a largo proportion of tho trade would be lost or diverted into other channels if a change wero made; (5) that the recreation grounds would not accommodate all players if the ono day wero observed.

Speaking on tho Christchurch manifesto, the chairman (Mr. H. Seaton), said that tho same arguments applied in Wellington, only more so. Regarding tho petition which had been sent round by the Trades and Labour Council in favour of a universal Saturday half-holiday, lie said that ho understood that 4600 signatures had been obtained, and only 2900 were needed to make the petition valid. But ho know that many of til© names wero those of people not on the roll, which might invalidate tho petition. The Town Clerk had mado a thorough scrutiny of tlio petition, in order to seo if every name is on tho roll. If it was found that the petition was valid, tho association would have to spend every penny it could afford to fight' the matter. Mr. F. Oakos: I hardly think tho Trades and Labour Council would leave itself often to invalidation with so important a point at issue.

Mr. Wardell: Wouldn't it bo well to get a fighting fund together? The chairman: As far as fighting it is concerned, it will bo an absolute necessity. Tho suggestion of a fighting fund is a good one. They have raised £400 in Christchurch, and that's what wo want here. Tho secretary can put mo down for £G ss. (Applause.)

Mr. Geo. Winder suggested that it would perhaps be well to call a general meeting of shopkeepers to discuss tho matter. It was not until their corns Were trodden on that they woko up.

Mr. Seaton explained that tho Trades Council petition , for a poll rauGt bo handed in by Saturday next—four weeks before the municipal election. A day or two after that they Would know if it was valid, and could then get to work.

It was resolved to engage tho services of a lady canvasser, who would go from door to door getting people enrolled, and educating them as to wliat Saturday closing Would moan to tho public. Boforo tho meeting ended Mr. Geo, Winder stated that tho effect of Saturday closing would bo tho dismissal of a number of assistants, who were kept on chiefly for tho rush trade on Saturdays. It was decided that tho general meeting of shopkeepers bo held at Mr. H, F. Allen's new office (ICernot's Building), Customhouse Quay, on l'riday evening next.