UNIVERSAL HALF-HOLIDAY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 309, 22 May 1913, Page 6

UNIVERSAL HALF-HOLIDAY.

:■> Deputation to minister for justice!. . An influential deputation, consisting of prominent citizens and headed by his Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Browne), was received by the Minister for Justice (Mr. A. L. Herdman) yesterday afternoon. His Worship reviewed the present unsatisfactory position in regard to the weekly half-holiday, and said that he would ask the Minister to bring the matter under the notice of his colleague, the Hon. the Minister for Internal Affairs, in order that the Government miglut bring down legislation for a universal half-holiday, t6 'be observed throughout the Dominion. At the present time they were suffering under great disadvantages; towns within a twelve miles radius were observing different days, resulting in endless difficulties and trouble.

Mr. R. C. Hughes, by whose efforts the deputation was aryinged, stated that the impression was abroad that it was not convenient to the farmers to have a Saturday half-holiday, but in order to combat that idea, the deputation desired to acquaint the honorable gentleman with a motion passed by the Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union at their annual conference held some days ago. This resolution read: "That the Government be requested to pass legislation so as to make the half-holiday the same day throughout the Dominion."

Mr. Browne asked permission to add to Ijis remarks, and stated that the deputation was not asking for any particular day to be observed as the Dominion's half-holiday, but were leaving that to the discretion of the Minister.

Mr. CE. Baker, president o| the local branch of the 0 Employers' Association, explained that he had not the sanction of his Association to speak on this matter, but knew that he voiced the opinions of most of their members when he said that they all wanted a universal half-holiday. Saturday was, no doubt, the best day, but, provided the day. was universal, that was all they wanted. In his reply, the Minister said that it was a very great pleasure to him to meet the deputation that afternoon and discuss with them such an important question. As they were no doubt aware, the question of a universal half-holiday was not in the Department over which" he had control. Ilia business ;was, to look after gaols and prisoners and Other less interesting members of society. (Laughter). However, when he got back to Wellington he would bring the matter under the notice of the Prime' Minister, who controlled the Department of Labor, and would inform him of the points raised by the deputation. In considering certain labor legislation, no d'oubt, Mr. Massev would take into consideration the advisability of including legislation on this question, and would then give every consideration to the representations made to him (the speaker) that afternoon. Mr. Herdman added that he did not think it would be advisable for him to express any personal opinion on the subject. The matter would be considered bv Cabinet and a decision would be arrived at. He diet not exactly know how a universal half-holiday wotild .afTect people in other parts of the Dominion. The deputation, however, couiiv rest assured' that, their representation! ■ would be noted, 'and thev had his personal assurance that these would be made known to Mr. Massev. (Applause.) The deputation then thanked the Minister and withdrew.