BUSINESS MEN'S MEETING

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 63, 1 April 1953, Page 5

BUSINESS MEN'S MEETING

WEEKLY HOLIDAY PROBLEM There was a fairly good attendance at the Quarterly General Meeting of the Taupo Business Men's Association held in Rickit's Hall on Monday evening last week. The chief item on the agenda was a discussion of the desirability of changing the statutory weekly holiday from Thursday to Monday. Although members were unanimous that Monday was a better day for the holiday than either Saturday, or Thursday as at present, the wisdom of attempting to make a change was questioned by several speakers.

"Gallup Poll" on Holiday. The President, Mr C. Vedder, pointed out that any change would require a poll, ox ratepayers, who must have the choice of all days of the week. Mr W. L. HainCs considered that as the people of Taupo had not asked for a change there was nothing to show that any alteration would benefit the people as a whole. Mr E. T. Smith stated that he had always advocated two successive days' holiday. Taupo was one of the very few places with a broken holiday, and at present maiiagers had to work all way Thursday, the present holiday, to prepare for the Friday rush. Monday would be preferable to Saturday because Monday there were no fresh supplies of perishable goods entering the town, while visitors arriving in Taupo on Saturdays expected to replenish their supplies. Mr W. J. Stevens considered that if a poll were taken Saturday would be the day chosen, which would not be in the best interests either of business people or of Taupo as a whole. After consideraole discussion it was decided to hold a "Gallup Poll" to determine unofficially the opinion of ratepayers. This poll will take place during the week commencing April 13th., when all retailers willing to assist will issue voting forms and have ballot boxes on their premises.

Children's Play A ea. The setting up of an organisatiori to raise funds for the provision of further facilities in the children's play area was considered. In view of the recent Carnival in aid of the War Memorial Hall .Fund, action on behalf of this worthy cause had not been pressed during the latter part of last year. One set of swings had been presented by Messrs Sinclair and Vates, and another set is being purchased and is to be delivered shortly. It was decided to consult the Ratepayers' Association and to obtain the support of interested organisations in raislng the further sum required.

Bus Services Terminal. Mr Vedder suggested that something shouLd be done about the unsatisfactory state of affairs resulting from the terminal of bus services being at Wairakei, five miles from Taupo, where there were no facilities except a small buffet. This caused considerably increased freight charges and inconvenient waiting time for passengers travelling to Taupo from the north. Taupo was the logical place for the terminus. On the motion of Mr Archer it was decided to write to the Licensing Authority at Auckland asking if there were any reason why bus services should not terminate at Taupo. The bad condition of the Terraces Hill road was mentioned, but as plans were kriown to be in hand for re-aligning and improving this road it was decided to take no action meantime.