Kōrero: Weekends

This notice by Auckland retailers advertises a half-holiday closure on Wednesday 10 May 1871 for a rowing event. In the 19th century shops were open from Monday to Saturday. By the 1870s, many towns had regular half holidays, when most shops were closed. Half holidays were often on Wednesdays or Thursdays, meaning the longest break shop workers got was one day: the Sunday sabbath. Increasing numbers of workers in other trades had Saturday half holidays, effectively giving them a one-and-a-half day weekend.