WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 968, 14 August 1903, Page 2

WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSED TO SATURDAY.

At their meeting last evening the Chamber of Commerce discussed the question of the weekly half-holiday, the following resolution being moved by Mr W. Pettie : “ That this Chamber desires to express the opinion that the compulsory half-holiday clause in the Shop Hours Bill now before Parliament is unnecessary, and would be detrimental to the bpst commercial interests of this town and district.” Sppaking to the resolution, Mr PeE,ie said that the Saturday halfholiday had been tried in Gisborne and had been proved a failure. It would be very detrimental to the best interests- of the district. I

Mr Morgan seconded the motion, remarking that Saturday had been tried before.

Mr Harding strongly supported the motion. There was, lie said, no town in New Zealand that Saturday would affect more than it would Gisborne. Many persons, came from a distance, and timed their visit to Gisbjorne so as to be able to shop on the Saturday and return home on the Sunday. It behoved every man, woman, and child in the district to oppose the Saturday half-holiday. It would be a very hard blow for Gisborne if Saturday were adopted, but he was sure it would not last long. The President said that it had occurred to him in passing that it did' not matter what day was decided on. People would not eat or drink less,, or wear out less clothing, if the holiday were on a Saturday afternoon or Thursday. “ However, you appear to know a great deal about the matter,” Mr Common added, “ and your experience has caused you to favor Thursday.” The resolution was carried unanimously.

EMPLOYEES RESOLVE IN FAVOR OF SATURDAY.

(Per Press ’Association.) Dunedin, last night. Between eighty and one hundred shop and office assistants attended a meeting called by the Trades and Labor Council re the compulsory half-holiday on Saturday. A resolution was passed urging'that the Shop and Offices Bill be passed into law this session, and calling upon the city and suburban members to support the same ; also urging the Premier to enforce the clauses providing for restrictions of hours of labor, payment for overtime, and wages to beginners. A 'committee was formed to look after the matter.