THE FIRST DAY OF IT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1777, 16 June 1913, Page 4

THE FIRST DAY OF IT.

CITY CHANGES HALF-HOLIDAY, (By Telegraph.—PrS£B Association.) Christcliurch, Juno 15. Yesterday the shop-assistants in Christchurch and districts in the vicinity of the citv experienced tho pleasure 01 ceasing work for tho day at one o clock as the rnsult of tho recent poll fixing Saturday as the day on which tho weekly half-holiday is to 1» observed. Very fine weather prevailed, ana tho various attractions provided, in the shape of football and hockey games, were well patTho effect of the change in tho day of tho half-holiday was fully apparent in the streets during tho afternoon. As a rule on Saturday' afternoons the streets of tho city are thronged by PMPio parading up and down—yesterday they a comparatively deserted appearanco. All tho shops, of course, were closed, ana there was really nothing to keep pooplo in town. Even tho hotels were poorly patronised. In the morning, on tho other hand, the city appeared to bo unr usually busy and animated. It was the last opportunity for shopping before the week-end, and tho retail establishments were kept going at top speed to satisty tho demands of customers. Between twelve and ono o'clock was an exceptionally busy period, and many of tho shops we'ra positively rushed during tho interval. There were, big ' crowds in tho streets on Saturday night. "LATE FRIDAY" IN AUCKLAND. Auckland; Juno 15. Opinions of tradesmen are divided regarding tho measure for closing of shops on Saturday night which came into force last night "for tho first time. Somp are quite satisfied with tho new system, but others (small business men, especially) think differently. All are agreed that the first lato Friday was not a success; but bad weather prevailed and it is hold that this may have some effect on tho position.