SUMMER TIME SPONSOR

Evening Star, Issue 19792, 16 February 1928, Page 10

SUMMER TIME SPONSOR

MR SIDEY DM FIRST EXPERIENCE BIG CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH ELECTION ANGLING MAY HV CIIEASE OPPOSITION. [Special to the ‘Stak.’] CHRISTCHURCH, February 15. “ I think tho Summer Time Act has been a great boon to many people apart from those who take part in games, and has also made a big contribution to the health of the community.” In these words, the sponsor of the Summer Time Act (Mr Sidcy, M.P.) reviewed the effects of the measure. “ I think I am cpiite justified in oxpio.ssing that opinion.” He added that the actual amount of inconvenience had not been anything like that which was anticipated, if measured by the opposition in the House of Representatives. The opposition expressed by some fanners and fanners’ organisations was rclerrcd to by Mr Sidcy. “ Of course,” he said, “ that was to bo expected. On tho other hand, I have heard farmers voice the opinion that it lias made little or no difference to them, and when a farmer docs not find that it has inconvenienced him, it may bo taken to imply that his view is favorable.”

Mr Sidey is quite prepared to lace the strong opposition when ho brings tho measure up again next session. “ 1 am quite certain that some of the faimers will oppose it again, and so will some of those country members who supported it last session. They will be influenced by the combined protests that have been made in their respective constituencies, and by tho fact that tho elections take place this year. I am not in a position to forecast just what will happen to the Rill during this coming session. At all events, I hope many of the country people will recognise that their employment enables them to get the benefit of the fresh air, and that they will foe! disposed to make a little concession in the interests of those who are less favored in this respect.” Air Sidey also expressed the opinion that the Act could come into force a little earlier than it did. 11 The period of duration is a little uncertain,” he said, “ though the amount of daylight in New Zealand at the beginning and the closing is greater than during the same period in England—that is, in the mornings.” Commenting on the date at which the operation of the Act should cease, he stated that the original Bill provided that the summer time should end in the first week in February. When tho measure was before the House he agreed to an extension to the middle of February. A majority of the members, however, were in lavor of its continuing in effect until March 1. “The opponents of the Bill also voted for the extra extension in the hope that tho longer period might give rise to more inconvenience, which would help them in their opposition,” said Mr Sidey. “ However, 1 think it will be found that there has been little inconvenience caused by tho extension.''