New-York tribune., 1919-10-15
Aldermen Pass
Daylight Law
For This CITY
Measure Is Designed 10
Guard Against Repeal
of State Legislation and
Provisions Are Identical

Daylight saving was adopted perma\
nently for greater New York by the
board OF Aldermen yesterday Unani-
nous approval vas given to the recon-
mendation of the Committee on Cen
eral Welfare that henceforth, as during
the war, the city's official time be ad-
vanced one hour from the last Sunday
IN March to the last Sunday in October.
The aldermen waived objections that
the permanent advancement of time in
New York without regard to the rest
OF the country would cause confusion.
Some of the objections were that com
muters living an hours journey from
New York would have to start TO work
at Z a; m. in order to get here at 9 a.
m; that thcatregoers in adjoining
states, unmindfu of the difference in
tIme, would arrive an hour after the
curtain had gone up and that farmers
complained they would have to begin
work while the dew is on the crops"
City Protected Against Repeal
1t was asserted that adoption of an
independent daylight saving law for the
city would be safeguard against pos
identical, and which is still in force.
After objections had been discussed
1t was found there were no opposing
votes. The vote was 81 to 0. Alderman
John Wirth, of Brooklyn. said he was
skeptical about the practicability of
having daylight saving in spots" He
suggested that an effort ought first to
DC made to induce New York, New
Jersey and Connecticut TO agree to il.
He asked to be excused from voting
Aren't we in danger of having the
rest OF the country pointing finger
of derision at us for adopting a time of
our own?' asked Mr.. Wirth. Think
of the confusion and hardships that
VIII fall upon commuters"
Public Said to Approve 1t
Arguments were made by Alderman
llliam /. Collins, chairman of the
Committee on General Welfare, that
the public had been accustomed to the
daylight saving during war time and
wanted to continue it. He said the
board heretofore had gone on record as
tavoring 1t IN q plea TO Pres ident Will
son to veto the repeal bill passed by
Congress-.
The only people who arc opposed to
daylight saving are the gas and cleo
trio light companies" said Mr.. Collins.
ut means a loss to them We hope
rest of the country and that it will be
generally adopted efore our ordinance
goes into effect. We fear the Legis-
lature may attempt to repeal the state
law. and VIC arc serving notice as to
where New York stands
Alderman Fred Smith. Of Brooklyn,
declared an hour of sunlight a day
meant much to tubercular persons
Alderman Bruce ". Falconer contended
the action OF New York would give in
fucnce to the National Daylight Sav-
ing Association in extending the GUS
tom throughout the East.
Move Benefit to Labor
The committees report stated: The
proposed ordinance is rc-enac.mcnt
Of the existing state law, and its
continuance is demanded by the over
whoiming sentiment Of the urban popu-
latioD surrounding this great port.
Your committee is thoroughly in se-
cord with the petition and is convinced
simply voicing the wishes of an over
whelming majority of those who labor
in the different industrial occupations
i'll this city,
Marcus NJ Marks, president of the
Nationa. Daylight Saving Association.
commenting on the boards action. said.
"The adoption of daylight saving by
the city blazes the way for an extra
hour of daylight throughout the East
ern zone. Other cities and towns will
follow. We will have day ght saving
not only in the East but in the Middle
West. Congress. before next April,
Will realize it erred when it repealed
the Fedora! act"