BUSINESS HOURS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1940, Page 4

BUSINESS HOURS

CONCERN AT ELTHAM A protest against the proposed amendment to the Shops and Oflfices Act was made this week by the Eltham Borough Council which considered that it would hamper trade. The subject was raised in a letter from Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. Cr. Hayton said that should the Arbitration Court be given the suggested power it could decide when shops were to be open. Should businesses be compelled to close on Friday nights and Saturday mornings it would seriously interfere with all businesses. Not only Opposition members had opposed the suggested legislation but also members of the Government. He was of the opinion that all borough and county councils should oppose the suggested legislation Cr. Robin: The farmer is being hampered too much now. If you close the towns on Saturday mornings when will the country children be able to buy their requirements? Cr. Butler: Has the council any right to pass this resolution. Councillors are expressing only their personal views and not necessarily those of the ratepayers. The Mayor, Mr. Lewis: We are the representatives of the ratepayers and we have the right to do anything for the benefit of the citizens. Cr. L. R. Bourke said that Mr. Wilkinson should be commended for bringing the matter before the council, but he did not think the council should express an opinion. He could not agree with the passing of the resolution. Cr. Fake agreed with Cr. Bourke. In his mind it was a matter for the chamber of commerce. Cr. F. Clemow supported the two previous speakers. If the Arbitration Court fixed certain hours all towns would be on the same footing. Mr. Lewis said the council had every right to pass the resolution. The towns had a duty to serve not only the people living in the towns but also those outside. If business were taken away from Eltham it would reduce property values, which definitely concerned the council.