HALF HOLIDAY QUESTION.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5379, 25 January 1929, Page 2

HALF HOLIDAY QUESTION.

e I MEETING OF BOROUGH COUNCIL. DECISION FOR SATURDAY. The Pacroa Borough Council met last nigjit to vote on the half-holiday question, the Mayor, Mr W. Marshall, presiding over a full attendance. The meeting opened with Cr. Flatt rising to take excepton to remarks passed by Cr. Silcock at a previous meeting on the same subject, about the absence of two councillors. Cr. Flatt said he had been unavoidably absent, and reserved the right to absent himself even if public business were on. Cr. Porritt, another absentee at the previews jneeting, also objected to Cr. silcock’s remarks. The Mayor stated that Cr. Silcock had not the slightest intention of casting any reflections on the members in question. To this Cr. Silcock added, by way of further explanatipln, that being himself due for leave at the time, he was annoyed at an important meeting, at whicn he considered all members should be present, being held up by the absence of two councillors, which he could not understand. However, as for Crs. Flatt and Ponjtt, ?is remarks were made in no way so as to imply Gisparag.ement to them. The air, being cleared, Cr. Edwards moved that Saturday be retained as the half-holiday.

Cr. Silcock, in seconding, said he had l made a summary of those interested. Twelve .shopkeepers were anxious to conduct business on Saturday afternoon and 22 desired matters to remain as at present. He was sure this finding would have some influence on the the weight of evidence being, with the people who had signed the list to retafti the present conditions.

Cr. Porritt .supported the movement, but thought that .under present circumstances it ,was| difficult to get a real expression of opinion, and he would like to see a poll taken. Money was made to go round, and it did not make mucji difference what day it was. spent on, and he favoured Saturday half-holiday as giving, employer and employee the chance of a decent week-end over which to recuperate. Money was evenly distributed’ through the week, and distance, be it on Friday or Saturday, was no Object. Banks were not ope.n on Saturday afternoon, which would be serious handicap to the visiting farmer. Instead of the small towns fighting, in his opinion the Government should take up and decidle the matter. In the meantime he would vote in support of Cr. Edwards’ movement.

Cr. Brenan, following, moved an amendment that Wednesday should be the half-holiday. He believed: thatgeneral public opinion was in favour of closing on Wednesday. Cr. Flatt considered that both days should be given a trial. The two present petitions should be torn to pieces, although the petition for Saturday • held' weight. He supported present conditions in the hope that a ballot w-onld be taken.

Cr. Hare maintained that there was much to be said on both sides, and that the sporting fraternity must be considered.

Cr. Turner, speaking last, declared that his opinion on the subject was known. He had consideration for the people in shops, and the Wednesday half-holiday was of no use to. them. On the Mayor putting Cr. Edwards’ motion to the vote it was carried, Cr. Brenan dissenting.