HALF-HOLIDAY POLLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1921, Page 6

HALF-HOLIDAY POLLS.

THE RIGHTS OF FARMERS. PLEA FOR THE VOTE. The half-holiday question was briefly discussed at the Farmers’ Union Conference at Eltham last week. Mr. D. L. A. Astbury, on behalf of the Mangatoki branch, moved the following remit: “That the Government amend the present law relating to the half-holiday with the view of (a) taking a provincial vote to decide what day in the week shall constitute the half-holiday; (b) giving the power by mutual arrangement to two or more provinces adjoining to take a vote to decide the day for such provinces; (c) to extend the right of vote to the country residents on the same basis as town votes.” Mr. Astbury said this question had been before them lately by the polls taken in the neighboring towns, and he was of the opinion that there was something wrong with the present law under which country people who were all interested in the towns and the shops, had no voice in the fixing of the day to be observed by the shops in the towns. Mr. Kurth seconded the motion. Mr. Gawith moved as an amendment that the first two clauses be struck out on the ground that they were unworkable. Mr. Gibson seconded. Mr. Astbury expressed the opinion that if it had not been for local rivalries and fears. Saturday would have been carried at the recent polls. Saturday half-holiday would not affect the farmers in the least, and it certainly would not affect him personally. Mr. BnFke agreed with Air. Astbury that the Saturday half-holiday would not affect the farmer. As regards the idea that the sales affected the question he wished to point out that no sales were held on Saturday. Mr. T. W. Owjn said he was in favor of Saturday half-holiday. The amendment was carried, and the third clause asking that farmers have the right of voting was then adopted.