I think it is only natural that the Minister in charge of this Department should be able to decree public holidays wherever of advantage to the community. There was a fear, I understand, first entertained about this Bill that some attempt might be made to interfere with the three Monday holidays known as Bank Holidays in the country, and which have passed into the ordinary course of our holidays. These three Mondays are of great importance to certain people, who regulate their holidays in connection with them. The fear that these might be interfered with affected the situation when this question was first proposed. I understand it is being made perfectly clear and safe now, and in so far as the Minister seeks the powers sought under this Bill I thoroughly support it.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS BILL, 1924.
Motion made and question proposed —"That this Bill be now read a second time."
Question put and agreed to.