THE HALF-HOLIDAY MOVEMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 2853, 11 April 1872, Page 2

THE HALF-HOLIDAY MOVEMENT.

To the Editor. Sm,—l have received the following letter from Messrs Peterson and Co., grocers, George street. Comment is almost unnecessary, as the public will very speedily estimate aright the conduct of those who promised to give the half-holiday a fair trial, and after only one afternoon’s experience, drew back from their plighted faith. Let it be remembered that out of deference to Mr Peterson’s views, it was agreed to postpone the inaugration of the holiday from 30th March to 6th April, by ■which the Association was involved in a further outlay of fifteen pounds for advertising. I may mention that the Association is taking prompt and active steps towards protecting the interests of those who are resolved still to support the measure. As the public have so unanimously pro-

nonneed in favor of the Half -Holiday Movement, it is hoped that they will accord their support only to those shopkeepers who have kept faith in the matter. ] The Association hopes that all vbo have signed the agreement to dose wid have the honor and manliness to adhere to their resolution. Less than one month s trial is not a fair criterion. Give it that, and the Association is prepared to stand or fall by • tho result. In conclusion, it is very singular that the above-named gentleman was ft one time a very active member, and also Treasurer, of the Dunedin Grocers Lailj Closing Association. But time and circumstances alter views. Then early closing vias thought a desirable movement J £«« • Bioth, it is the reverse. Surely, Mr Editor, « what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.” lam, &c., Richard Moody, Secretary. Dunedin, April 10. The following is the letter referred toj - Octagon, April 9, 1572. To Early Closing Association. Gentlemen, -Having given the one| o clock Saturday half holiday a far trial, ivc find that“t win n ofc suit neither our customers nor ourselves, and that wc unwillingly Mill have to fall back on the former hours, unless some more reasonable time for closing is agreed upon. We are, &c., John Peterson and Co. lighting the market. To the Editor. c IR Whether the Saturday half-holiday ; s to become an established arrangement m retail establishments here or not, it is almost certain that during the winter months the SriS mil be open on SetnrfMr ■ With this prospect in view, I b®S . snectfnlly to ask the City Council if nothing can be done to improve tbc lighting of that resort of the citizens. The present arrangement of “ slush lamps” is both dirty and dangerous. I recollect, last winter, one of mv children running a very narrow escape severely scalded by one of these Simi ive lights.” A big fellow, heavily laXn with the fruits of native mdustrymutton and “ coloniaV’-througb the action TtL one brought the other sharply into c mtact with a lamp, and sent the hot dirty 1 ciuid it contained sputtering amongst the f .et of the bystanders. I sometimes see our excellent Mayor as an onlooker in the market. On hj s next visit, I beg most respectfully to sobdt his attention to the butchers’ lamps. Doubtless on a dark night they have a picturesciue effect, suitable, perhaps, for a painter or a novelist, but the idea of having SI contents of one spilled on one’s .Sunday togs or down a child’s back is fai from captivating. x &c „ CtAS.