HUMBUG.

Globe, Volume V, Issue 538, 9 March 1876, Page 3

HUMBUG.

To the Editor of the Olohe. SIR, —Mr H. Thomson announced at the committee meeting of the Hcathcote regatta that the leading merchants, bankers, and tradespeople agreed to close at twelve o’clock, in order that the clerks and others employed might be able to go to the regatta. Strangely enough, on the present occasion, they seemed to jump at the proposal at once. So obliging ! and so kind ! This was so unuusal, as on previous occasions the bankers especially declined. But what is the real fact? What will account for the alacrity to close ? Why, it is this. The English mail goes out on Thursday, and consequently, the half-holiday gives a grand chance for getting rid of the public ; so that the clerks can get all the work done for the mail without interruption. How many of those who pretended to close do you think really did so ? Why, not one, as I myself took the trouble to go around and see. Many had small doors, inside the outer large ones, through which their clerks could pass; many had side-doors open ; but all were open so far as carrying on work is concerned. Is not this gross humbug ? Instead of calling these people leading merchants, it would be far more appropriate to call them leading humbugs. Yours, &c., ANTI-HUMBUG.