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Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1929, Page 4

I'rrosK interested in the half-holiday poll on Wednesday, might well take ante of the general position which is of interest. In the polls recorded, the mid-week day appeared to have the general preference. Local conditions ol course must be taken into account, mainly in regard to the contiguity ol smaller towns to larger centres, and the nature of the occupations prevail;ng in the adjacent country districts. The poll here gave a majority of 1136 in favour of Wednesday. That was not over large in view of the total votes recorded. It is evidence of course that the opinion in favour of Saturday has not been adequatey convinced of the dangers and risks of adopting that day as affecting the business of the place, in Grey mouth there was a more decided opinion expressed for the mid-week, the mn’ority being 654, where approximately twice the number of votes was recorded to those at Hokitika. In Westport also, where there has neon an unpleasant taste of the Saturday experience, the majority was 544, with a poll not much larger than Hokitika. 'l'lie experience of the Coast towns is worth noting for the conditions are generally comparable. However, other towns, notably Hawera, a large centre, and Wnipukura, also went for the midweek, the latter changing over from-; Saturday. The wisdom of the choice of the mid-week for Hokitika is certainly justified by !o"a! conditions. Tt ! s necessary only to mention the conditions of the summer months when picnic train follows picnic train to Hokitika, most of the Saturdays in January and February being sought after Ur railway excursions to Hokitika. If me business premises were closed instead of open on that dav there would be a heavy loss, in fad the picnics might not elect to come here at all, but go elsewhere on the

{Saturdays where business places were open. This is only emphasising one instance for which it would be suicidal to change. An alteration as was proposed would cut off the hulk of the country trading now resulting through private motor cars. Those with the facilities to travel would motor elsewhere for their requirements, and a profitable connection for the town would he lost. 1 liese arc all matters worth hearing in mind, and should be remembered if the issue again comes before the electors It appears to ius a week-end change would be a decided loss to the business of the town.