THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

Otaki Mail, 23 April 1923, Page 3

THE HALF-HOLIDAY.

To The Editor.

Sir, —Much has been said regarding the employers' and the assistants' side of the question. It is quite refreshing to see someone with a word for the women's side of the question. Time was. when shops were kept opened on Saturday afternoons, when mothers could leave the older children to mind the baby while they shopped. 01 perhaps take the children to be fitted with garments without having to rush (nit on Saturday morning or after school is out. Most mothers know by now what to expect when they are compelled to shop, either an hour or so before closing time during the week, or Saturday morning—goods practically thrown at them in a take-it or leave-it sort of manner. Civility is out of the question with the majority of the assistants, while I will say one or two are to be found who are always obliging. Surely the Otaki assistants have little or nothing to complain of regarding their employers. "Why is there rarely ever a vacancy for an assistant in local shops. I do not think all the same that the Saturday half-holiday, nor any other half-holiday, will send residents to the neighbouring town* to shop, providing the prices are right and goods obtainable here. Surely no one would go elsewhere. As things are at present one can hardly- blame us if, | when wo go to the city for the day, we can purchase the goods so much cheaper, that it pays for our train fare, and a bit to spare, and the day's outing in to the bargain. Then we hear such a lot about "sport' - from the Saturday supporters. No doubt from a shop-as sistant 's point of view the Saturday is more desirable, but business before pleasure alwavs. and after all when would either the employer or the assis tant be without the shopper.'—l am.

HOUSEWIFE.