THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT AT CAMBRIDGE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1818, 1 March 1884, Page 2

THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT A T CAMBRIDGE.

Thk employes of the various business houses at Cambridge are at present taking active measures in the matter of early_ closing. The movement is one which is entitled to public sympathy, and we feel sure that in endeavouring to effect their object in this respect the employe's are working in accord with the employers. Generally speaking, employers are not averse to closing their business premises an hour earlier of an evening, but one man will not close his shop, nor can he be expected to, when his neighbour keeps open. It only requires that some person should take the initiative in the matter, and represent to those concerned the injustice that is being done the employes on the one hand, and the fact that little or no extra advantage is obtained by the employers on the other. It is argued by some, as an excuse against early closing, that the public would be inconvenienced, but this is merely an excuse, without any substantial reason to support it. The people who complain could, if they liked, do their bhopping in the daytime without any trouble or inconvenience whatever, but who, knowing that the shops are open till seven o'clock, defer their shopping until that hour. Country people seldom or never trouble the shopkeepers after six o'clock. We sincerely hope therefore that the employers, instead of dismissing an frivolous the representations of the employes in this matter, will give it careful consideration, and concede accordingly. On Wednesday evening last a meeting of employe's was held in the Oddfellow's Hall for the purpose of taking steps in the above matter. There was a large attendance, and the chair was occupied by Mr F. J. Sanders. After some discussion the following petition to tho storekeepers was submitted to the meeting :—" Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned assistants of the several stores of Cambridge, do hereby respectfully request your careful consideration and approval of the following proposition unanimously approved of at a meeting of assistants held on Wednesday evening, 27th inst., viz. : That you close your respective places of business throughout the year (general holidays excepted) on Mondays, Tuesday*!, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 6 o'clock p.m., and on Saturdays at 9 p.m., instead of 7 and halfpast 9 o'clock as at present. The same to take effect from the Ist April prox. Chairman, R. F. Sandeni ; secretary, A. Reid ; Committee, Messrs Sanders, Reid, Onion, Simms, and Moore." The above was unanimously adopted, and when signed by the employes will be presented to the storekeepers in the usual course.

Mr J, S. gEdgecumbe has been Authorised to collect in tta fiUto pf WUIU^ ttl»ck,