H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND'S ARRIVAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 274, 15 August 1919, Page 6

H.M.S. NEW ZEALAND'S ARRIVAL

NO HOLIDAY TO BE DECLARED,

"Very reluctantly I have refused a request to declare a public holiday on the arrival of H.M.S. New Zealnnd next week," stated the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) yesterday. Mr. Luke, in explaining his attitude, stated that (he matter of "declared" holidays had given him considerable concern. Up to a comparatively recent period tho same difficulties which existed now were not apparent, but at tho present time n, "declared" holiday meant a considerable strain on the city's finances. Formerly when a holiday was granted to the staff, the latter were willing to make up the time lost, but sinco the council had engaged in utility services and commercial undertakings (ho position was different. It was quite fair that the -\vhole staff should bo treated alike, and those who could not take the holiday because of the nature of their work were entitled to 1 extra pay. Under those circumstances, a naif-holiday oost the City Council obaut £300. The finances would not sUnd that strain. There were other reasons why the Mayor could not agreo as to the necessity of proclaiming a holiday. He said that the people would have ample opportunity of inspecting tho ship, in which they were naturally very interested, and he inten(M > to moke representations to have the ship thrown open while in port for inspection on the Saturday afternoon and Sunday.- '