THE PRINCE'S BIRTHDAY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1784, 24 June 1913, Page 4

THE PRINCE'S BIRTHDAY.

PARTIAL HOLIDAY. 1 Yesterday was the Prince of Wales' Birthday. It was observed as a holiday by a small percentage of tho public and tho State Schools. Others who did not put up their shutters showed their loyalty to thte Crown by displaying national bunting, which for quite half, tho day Irang in sodden folds Tound tho flag-polos. Tho Government offices wore open as usual,.but the corporation offices (with the exception 'of tho rates and tho electric light office) were closed, as were i the legal offices. Tho permanent hands in the employ of the Harbour Board also enjoyed a day off.

There was a frequently-expressed opinion in town that such, wont of unanimity with respect to tho holiday should lw adjusted one way or tho oilier. It is felt that it is a distinct inconvenioneo for certain sections of tho community to find that others with whom tlfey do business are not at work. Tho Prince of Wales' Birthday is not an award holiday for the Wellington waterside workers, but it is for tho Harbour Board's permanent staff (who are not members of tlte union), and tiieso men liarc to bo specially ougflged ttio day before the holiday at ora-tilno rales if their services are s required. Further, any work which was not anticipated and provided for could not bo done vesterdßY •Tho weather wag bitterly cokl and ehowe.ry, and quite unfit for anything in tho nature of outdoor recreation. It was a wise of big-coats and mufflers for those who had to venture out, and tho fireside for the few who had the privilege of honouring tho occasion by not going to work. ________