PLEA FOR THE HALF-DAY.
To revert to the pre-War custom of Saturday dealings in public securities it would probably be necessary for the banks to remain open until 1 p.m. instead of closing as they now do at 12 o'clock. At first sight, this would appear to imply no particular hardship, but those who are most conversant with the banking organization know that the hardship would be a very real one. Even with the banks closing at noon, many of the staffs in the Metropolitan area do not get away till 1.30 and sometimes later, and undoubtedly closing at 1 p.m. would mean a still further hour's delay in leaving. It must be remembered that bank clerks have no protection under the Shop Hours Act, yet I imagine no one will deny that they are as much entitled as shop assistants or any other workers to a complete half-day's rest, the more so, perhaps, because the occasions are many when to finish the work on hand more than an eight hours' day has to be put. in. There is no "downing of tools" when the clock strikes, and social engagements have to be cheerfully forgone if business demands attention.
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