STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

jJFrom Our Own Correspondent.)'

(All communications, Utters, etc, left with' Mr H. 1. BefiUaa, bookteller, will recelr* proapt ttlenttoa.} »

BIX O'CLOCK CLOSING. '

Stratford, Jam 25,

Mr. C. E. James, president of the] Tradesmen's Association, presided over a good attendance of members last evening. The question was whether it was desirable to close at Bix o'clock, and in speaking on the subject the chairman stated that for some months the trade of the town on Saturday evenings had deceased, although the business generally was good at other times. With the'pictures attracting the people it was felt that they could very well get the public to do their shopping to permit of closing down at six o'clock. In making this move he mentioned that it was no surprise, as they Lad the thing in view a few months back, but the association thought it desirable to wait till the new year before making any move. From what he could gather the closing of shops at six o'clock in other towns had not been disastrous, but rather beneficial, and Mr. W. P. Mitchell, of Napier, had written: "As far as can be ascertained Saturday night closing 19 giving every satisfaction, and the public is now quite used to the change." Mr. James also read letters from Mr. Lander (manager to R Hannahand Co.) and J. H. Ford approving of the change to six or remaining a3 at present, Mr. Ford also suggesting the closing at twelve to one o'clock, i In the discussion that ■ followed Mr. Sharp favored one late night a week, and thought Friday might suit Mr. C. Martin was strongly in favor o£ sis o'clock closing, and moved in that direction.

Mr. H. J. Hopldns favored a reduction, but thought eight o'clock would prove more suitable

Mr. R. H. White thought the present hours should continue. There was usually a rush of country people between twelve o'clock and five, and townspeople usually waited until after that time. The tra'n out east did not leave till seven o clock, and *thc\ should consider this phase of the question. Again the soldiers were returning, and this would probably mean increased Saturday night shopping. If a reduction were made perhaps they could close at 8.30. Mr. Masters: "Why not make it 8.455" The chairman, in reply to Mr. Bert Rawles, stated that tlie six o'clock dosing meant no late night in the week. Mr. R. Masters said he was iu favor of sue O'clock. He did not believe for a jnoment that the change would affect business. As indicated, Napier, with a population of 12,000, bad introduced six o'clock closing, and he was satisfied they would find the same hours here a great success. They should give the province a lead, and not lag behind. The tendency of recent years had been to cut down the hours, and it had no detrimental effect; besides, they must realise that eight to nine hours was quite long enough, particularly in businesses where women were employed. He did not approve of seven o'clock; it was not suitable, and they could not keep employees all that time without a break for meals, and 8.30 wottld show little to be gaineol His amendment: "That a petition be prepared for signature of tradesmen for closing at 6 p.m. on Saturday" was a fair one, and left tho tradespeople to act as they desired.

After a little further discussion, m which it was stated that Christmas and iSew lears live would be the only late nights, the amendment was carried. To-day Messrs James and R. D. Lcwers (acting secretary) in a few hours secured thirty signatures to the petition, which will be presented to the Borough Council at the meeting to be held on Monday evening.

GENERAL Mrs, Tucker, who is leaving for Wanganui shortly, was the recipient, of a presentation from St Andrew's Choir last evening., Mr H D Betts (choirmaster) voicing the regrets of all at losing one of their members, and wishing the lady every success in her future. Mrs Tucker suitably acknowledged the gift and expressions of good feeling. There were no less than forty-three applicants for the position of clerk to the Ohura County, and the choice fell to Mr. F Dawson, of Manaia. Amongst those who aspired to the position was a clergyman, two lawyers and a lady ° . Mr. Tom Purcell, registrar of electors, is a busy man just now The main roll" is completed, and totals 4972. This is hardly up to the roll of 1914. when 5191 names were printed. Probably by the time the supplementary rolls are* compiled it will bring Stratford's voting power up to 1914 figures Out at Whangamopiona tne Medical Club was much disturbed at a meeting held last evening. The exception arose through an epistle from the Stratford Hospital Board requesting the club to collect fees incurred by patients to lie up at the epidemic hospital. Members were vexed to think that after the Govern mcnt had stated that it would pay all expense,- the board was now exacting fees from the sufferers, particularly "when some oi those contracting the disease did so in assisting the hospital to lijjht the epidemic. The fat was in the fire again when it was announced that the Government would pay all amounts over £4O, and the meeting protested that this was unjust in paying these before those of a lesser amount

Ideal weather continues. Farmers are still very busy haymaking, but despite this there was a good attendance of the public in tow;: uiid afternoon.

Big consignments of sheep are comin" m from Whangamomona and below Ba° wera; bound for New Plymouth and Waitara 1 reezing works,

Attention pleane! Although ho". : - day season is advanced there is vet r.-.nie time to secure that gift or pre:n;;t. Do-j't go out ot Stratford for the artie!?. Call and see C, 2 Jamss' ctoek. His akelvei, floor:! and cuscs j.rt, crowded wit.l-, felics' hanubajjfi, jev. cilery;, Oovilton rJee-t'o-piale sickle c,-;d arfck-hy fit to grace home. Prepare I'o- vlr eveminy by purchasing y0,..r p--rlor SSWC s * -i uu a moke'! It so, rcinf-nbc* i'he bvt iobac-sos, pipes, ote > iiie jjjfis ior jj"oa e -<t i fclai, Mtr/ icl««