BUSINESS HOLIDAYS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2206, 9 October 1907, Page 4

BUSINESS HOLIDAYS.

10.30 A.M. SHOW DAY; NOON

HACK DAY

Mr. H. M. Porter, secretary of tlio Poverty Bay A. mill P. Society, wrote to tlio Borough Council last night asking the Council to pursuo the usual course of proclaiming Octobor 23rd, “l’ooplo’s Day” of tlio annual Show, a whole public holiday.

A later communication stated: “Since making tlio application for a wholo holiday on ‘People’s Day’ of the Show, wo liml that owing to the attitude of ono retail clothier, tlio remainder of tlio trado would bo put to a disadvantage by your granting same. Thoroforo, wo aro reluctantly compelled to amend our application to 10 a.m. on the day mentioned. As this will affect tlio wholo of tlio retailers of Gisborne, who have always willingly fallen in with the former course, tlio position is a matter of regrot.” Tlio Chairman favored a full holiday on Peoplo’s Day. Ho did not anticipate that tlio clothier mentioned would hang out.

Cr. Pettie said a special effort had been made to bring all the tradesmen into line. The retailor in question absolutely declined, and tlio others, though quite willing to closo if all followed the same courso, did not want to be placed at a disadvantage. To overcome tlio difficulty lio (Cr. Pettie) had suggested that tlio shops close at 10.30 on tlio first day and 1 p.m. on race day. Cr Somervell: Do tlioy all agreo to closo at 10.30? Cr. Pottio: I think so. Wo understand that the trader referred to is willing to close in any case at 11 n.m. Wo aro willing to givo him tlio benefit of the extra half-hour. Cr. Mann did not seo why ono obstinate individual should causo a chango from tlio custom of past years. Cr. Sheridan said ho at least was honest in his objection. In past years despite tlio understanding arrived at, some of the tradespeople had broken faith by opening their premises. Ho thought 10 a.m. a fair compromise. Cr. Pettie said ho was quite sure tile officers of the Society would bo quito satisfied with 'closing at 10.30

, Cr. Bright: I think wo should ] grant their request without any variation.

After further discussion, the Council unanimously decided, on the motion of Cr. Pettie, to ask shopkeepers to close at 10.30 on People’s Day of the Show.

The Poverty Bay Turf Club (Mr. D. It. DeCosta, secretary) asked the Council to declare Thursday, October 24th, tlio first day of the Club’s spring meeting, a public holiday as from 12 o’clock noon.

On the motion of Cr. Sawyer, tlio request - was acceded to without further discussion.