SUMMER TIME ACT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3760, 28 February 1928, Page 3

SUMMER TIME ACT.

“TINKERING WjITH CLOCK.” A copy of the resolution passed by the Dairy Farmers’ Union condemning the daylight saving measure has been sent to Mr. J. Gordon Elliott, M.P., who has sent the following reply to the Union:— “I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst., conveying resolution passed by your executive re daylight saving. I would point out that as the Summer Time Act automatically lapses next month its repeal is unnecessary. The danger lies in its reinstatement next session and I trust that farmers, farmers’ unions, dairy factory directors, etc., will unite and bring pressure to bear on Parliament’ to prevent the passing of a measure which is not only condemned by 90 per cent, of the farmers of the Dominion, but which also imposes hardship on farmers wives and is detrimental to the well being of growing children, “iShould city dwellers and those who place sport before business desire to start and to knock off work one hour earlier than standard time, they can do so voluntarily, Legislation is not necessary. Our farmers, who are the wealth producers of the community desire, however, to be left free to work during those hours which are best suited to fhe requirements of their business and untramelled by restrictive legislation.

“A number of members stated in the House last session that, although prepared to give daylight saving a trial they will not support the reinactment of the Summer Time Act if it can be shown to them that our farmers are opposed to the Act. It is therefore incumbent on the farmers of the Dominion to get busy at once —pour in their protests and convince these members that the farming community is opposed to Sidey time. Passing academic resolutions will however get no where. Our farmers must give reasons for their opposition and prove to Parliament, as they undoubtelly can, that tinkering with the clock is unsound from the farmers point of view.”

CLOCKS GO BACK ON SUNDAY.

In accordance with the Summer Time Act, the period of daylight saving in the Dominion wRI terminate at 2 a.m., New Zealand and standard time, on Sunday, March 4. This time is equivalent to 3 a.m. summer time. It will then be necessary for all clocks to be put back one hour.

DAYLIGHT SAVING BENEFITS ENGLAND.

Sir Lindo Ferguson, who arrived in Wellington yesterday after a visit to the Old Country, stated that Daylight Saving in England had proved to he an inestimable benefit, and there was not the slightest likelihood of the measure being repealed. The longer hours of daylight had conferred the greatest benefit upon the population generally, and the objections which wore made in the early clays —most of them imaginary—had died away. He expressed his pleasure that New Zealand had at last followed the example of Great Britain, and his only regret was that the trial was not over five months instead of three. DISCUSSED BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Last night, at the monthly meeting of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, a member moved the following resolution: —

“That this Chamber, recognising the great advantages that have been obtained during the operation of the Summer Time Bill, requests the Prime Minister and the Member for the District to give their wholehearted support in making the Bill a permanent one.” The motion did not meet with the approval of all members. Mr R. N. Speirs said that the farmers were right up against it with Daylight Saving and the townspeople should support the farmers. Mr-McMurray said the manager of the Taikorea Dairy Factory was of opinion that the Daylight Saving Bill was a good thing for the farmers. Cream was received at the factories in a fresher state since the advent of the Bill as a result of missing the early morning sun and suppliers benefited as a result. Personally, he had visited many farmers throughout the district and the majority of them were in favour of it. The motion was carried.