PAPAKURA.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 346, 18 January 1918, Page 3

PAPAKURA.

(See also page 4.) Half-Holiday Question. [To the Editor ] Sir,—As one of those who signed the first petition praying for the half-holiday to he changed from Wednesday to Saturday I strongly object to the reasons given for the retention of Wednesday. Who ia to decide that the adoption of Saturday is not in the interest of the district ? " That none 6f the previous petitioners employ assistants" is contrary to fact. Personally I employ two assistants and there are at least six who signed the petition that employ labour, including one of the members of the Board. " That many of those who want Saturday could close if they wish." This argument is only a means of side tracking the main issue. The argument that a poll is the only satisfactory means of settling the Saturday half-holiday question is sound, but why turn down the wish of the majority of the shopkeepers ? It rests entirely with the Board to give it a trial and if not satisfactory a poll can be taken in September. 1 "That the fifteen petitioners for Saturdav represent but»a small portion of the public." This argument is weak and paltry as all those who signed for Saturday represent various classes of business, but I cannot say that about the counter petition and I am quite sure the public would soon decide if the names of the counterpetitioners were published. '•That the farming community should be considered." I quite agree with this and as far as I can discover the farmers are not interested in which day we close. As a body the farmers are reasonable and can enjoy a week-end as well as the shopkeepers and their assistants. —Yours, etc, W. CRAWFORD Papakura, 17th January, 1918 The death took place somewhat suddenly on Wednesday morning last of a highly respected local settler in the person of Mr Frank Eddington. The deceased, who was 76 years of age, farm d for some years at Ardmore but had latterly lived in retirement.

At the meeting of the Raglan County Council last Tuesday comment was made of the fact that while settlers were always ready to report to councillors as to the delinquencies of their neighbours, they invariably added : " but don't tell them I told you." Cr Otway gave one or two notable instances, which elicited the remark from a ratepayer : " I think all information given to j-on should be regarded as confidential." (Laughter).