CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND HARVEST TIME.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 3, Issue 966, 5 January 1882, Page 2

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND HARVEST TIME.

[To. the Editor of the Daily.]

Sir,—l desire to call your attention to the utter absurdity of making Chrialupta to New Year in New Zealand a holiday limr. What would poojle think in England nf making bar/eaS week a gala week 1 The thing is absurd and harmful to all classes.' It checks the growth of : crops and consequently production, Many do riot aavo their hay simply because they cannot depend upon labor. lam personally allowing a splendid crop of hay to go to waste for this cause-yet I have as good a set of men'-"for. my other farm work, which is considerable, as I wish to iiiire.' Many farmers do not caro to put 'in theiroats too early, because of their ripening about Chirps .time, the consequence being tblifc. crppa.pften turn out ; bad from late sowing.. !*j have seen a magnificent crop of oats fall to the ground simply because the _ men were away holiday-making. It is nonsense saying that a good man will stick to hiß work. The host of mon like to, " go on the Bpree," and if that occurs on Boxing Day, you may as well say good-bye to him for a week. Let us keep Christmas by all means, but to hold races and sports on Boxing Day and New Year is simpljan enticement to harvest hands to go on the spree. These things should bo deferred until; after harvest. I trust you will induce Bace Committees;to hold their meetings in February, or later on. It should be remembered that Christmas sports at Home are held in the depth of winter, when there is little ; work doing. My men can go on the sproe as much as they like when harvesting is over. " 1 am, etc., As Unfortunate Farmer.: December 28th. 1881. ,