SUNDAY SHOWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 106, 7 May 1942, Page 7

SUNDAY SHOWS

SYDNEY AGITATION

Greater Privileges For Troops

And War Workers

Special Australian Correspondent. United Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. noon. SYDNEY, this day. The agitation over Sunday entertainment for troops and war workers continues in Sydney. A considerable voice of public opinion appears to feel that the Government's decision to open one flesh and blood show and one picture theatre in the city (beginning next Sunday) does not go far enough.

American and Australian Army representatives intimated that this would meet their needs. The controversy now rages around the question of extending equal privileges to the vast numbers engaged in essential munitions work. Those responsible hope to secure permission to open certain suburban theatres.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin, puts the onus on the State Premiers, saying: "If something cannot be left to the Premiers, I see no reason for State Governments. If entertainment and hotel hours are considered insufficient, that is a matter between the public and the State Government concerned. I am not doing any more about it."

The Federal National Security regulations sanctioning Sunday theatres are still to be gazetted. No legislation will be passed repealing State laws affecting Sunday observance. The move is entirely a war emergency measure.

"Insult to Monitions Workers'* A prominent threatical personality defined the Sydney action as "the feeblest possible sop to the people— a sop to those who want theatres to shut and a sop to those who want them to open. It is also a disgraceful insult to munitions workers and other war workers who are not in uniform."

No decision has yet been reached regarding Sunday entertainment for troops stationed m New South Wales outside the Sydney area. In West Australia Sunday night shows are held sometimes. South Australian theatres are now open to troops, while the Tasmanian Government has opened theatres to war workers as well as to troops. An undertaking has been given that "all features not in keeping with the spirit of Sunday will be eliminated. Churches can be assured of a genuine desire to maintain the sanctity of Sunday." Theatres will not profit from their shows. The profits will go to patriotic and charity funds.

The representative of the United States Army, whose cry, "Give us Sunday shows, or we will make our own," started the present agitation, declined to comment when asked. He said he thought two theatres in Sydney would accommodate all troops wishing to attend. Meanwhile Sydney is awaiting with interest the outcome of the first Sunday night theatre entertainment.