PATRIOTIC HALF-HOLIDAY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2261, 22 September 1914, Page 4

PATRIOTIC HALF-HOLIDAY

PROTEST AGAINST BUSINESS INTERRUFTIONS. From an economic standpoint, Mr. A. Leigh Hunt considers that the action of the Mayor, in calling for a general halfholiday on the occasion of the recent Old Time Cricket Match at the Basin Reserve was a doubtful one. Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the Wellington' Central Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Leigh Hunt said that while many business men could not see the logic of the half-holiday, they considered that as the appeal came from the Mayor, there was something like an obligation on them to close, and they consequently closed their premises. But, personally, he thought it a very bad economic principle The result probably was that, through the closing, a certain number of employees visited the Basin Reserve, paid their shillings, and the takings amounted to some £400 or £500. Against this—he referred specially to the closing of any factories—there would be a loss of production which might cost the community £4000 or £5000. It seemed to him that it would have beeu better to have gone to the business firms, and asked for two or three guineas, as the case might be. Then tho £500 would have been raised just the same, and production would have gone on. Mr. G. Winder said that when the troops went away, business places ought to shut for half a day, and give them a royal enthusiastio send-off—even if it did inconvenience business. Mr. W. Reed agreed with Mr. Windows suggestion. He could not follow Mr. Hunt's remarks. In his opinion, business lost by the closing for a halfday in the city would be picked up again next day. The result would bo tho samo spread over the week. _ Mr Leigh Hunt pointed out that his remarks had referred particularly to Factories, where production would cease by the closing for half a day, and where a'few shillings gate money would be the only rctufti. As to the doparture of the Kxpoditionary Force, ho quite agreed that tho.v should all close business for a day if necessary, and give theso fellows a real good sendroff, because they wore going to tho front to fight while "wo could stop at home and enjoy ourselves." ■ The chairman (Mr. C. M. Luke) expressed some astonishment at tho original remarks of Mr. Leigh' Hunt, and said ho had been glad to hear his subsequent explanation. The Mayor, he said, in calling for the half-holiday, had directed his appeal to a section of business places which did not closo on Wednesday, and did not ask factories to close. . . Subsequently, on the motion of Mr. Winder, seconded by Mr. Leigh Hunt, it was decided to support any move in declaring a halj-holiday for the farewell to the Expeditionary Force.