THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5484, 7 October 1929, Page 2

THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —The rumoured intended defection of a number of the retail dealers of Paeroa from the observance of Thursday as the regular half-holiday is fraught with considerable interest. The wisdom of observing the same day is surely important. The observance of two different days can only cause confusion in the minds of the large community whose goodwill should be retained for Paeroa as a shopping centre. As the result of a popular poll taken as recently as May 1, Thursday was adopted as the halfholiday. By that decision Paeroa stepped into line with towns like Invercargill, Hawera, Hastings, and To Aroha. To-day it is actually proposed to place Paeroa in the position of Thames. That way lies torpitude. The general condition of trade and the period of winter time may have prevented the beneficial trade results that all parties hoped for. In a dairying area better results may be looked for during summer time. No change should be entertained without at least a twelve months’ trial. Alluring as Saturday may be as a half-holiday, it is simply placing pleasure before business to deny that it is not the better day for most retail businesses in country towns. Conditions may permit of a few enjoying the luxury of a Saturday half-holiday : for others, who desire to grow, and maybe succeed, the necessity of regarding public convenience and service must have first place. ERNEST V. SLYFIELD.