SHOP AND OFFICES BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 160, 10 July 1903, Page 4

SHOP AND OFFICES BILL.

The Now Plymouth Tradesmen's A«eociation at their last meeting considered the "Shop and Offices Bill," which the Government has re-intro-duced, Naturally there was a good deal of difference of opinion in reference to the various clauses of the Bill, more especially regarding the proposal to make the Saturday half-holiday general; A number of those present favoured the idea as far ae they were personally concerned ; but were doubtful as to whethar it would suit country settlers and workers who preferred to do their shopping on tint day. In New Plymouth, it was pointed out, Saturday was the favourite day with country settlers to come to town, doubtless because they did no 1 ; mind a late morning on Sunday, and it was extremely doubtful if any other day

for market day would meet them as well. The operatives at nearly all the factories also, it was contended, had their weekly half heliday on the Saturday, and made Saturday afternoon and evening their shopping day too. There was a fairly strong feeling that there was no need, and it was questionable if it was desirable, from a bnsiness point of view, that the clerical staff* in offices, the shop assistants, and factory operatives should all be bound to observe the half-holiday on the same day, but that each section should be aUawed to suit their own convenience. Finally a committee was set up to go into the whole matter and report, when it is proposed to ask His Worship the Mayor to call a public meeting to discuss the whole question and make recommendations to the Minister in charge of the Bill to meet the requirements of the town and neighbourhood. It is probable that this course will be followed in other parts of Taranaki, and it might be possible to secure uniformity throughout the Provincial Distriot.