ABSTRACT
In the context of an argument which has been raging in New Zealand for the last couple of years, the joke is highly relevant. The argument concerns Saturday trading. Until 1976, trading hours for most outlets were restricted by law from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with one late night permitted per week. However, 1976 saw the introduction of the Shop Trading Hours Act which extended trading hours from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. The government was convinced of consumer demand for longer hours and fought opposition from the Retailers Federation and the Shop Employees Union.
