GOOD FRIDAY

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 11088, 11 April 1933, Page 2

GOOD FRIDAY

Screening of Pictures PROTEST BY MINISTERS’ ASSOCIATION, Rev. D. H. Stewart, Hon. Secretary of the Tauranga Ministers' Association, in a letter read at last night’s meeting of the Borough Council, stated: “The Tauranga Ministers' Association views in serious light the decision of your Council to allow pictures to be shown on Good Friday. In the minds of the members of this association such action constitutes a flagrant affront to the religious convictions of very many worthy citizens in this town. To most religious people, Good Friday is the greatest day in all the year. It is a day fraught with tender and tremendous significance, and it is the desire of the churches that this day be set apart as a day of remembrance. According to our view, the memory and the significance of Good Friday loses its appeal when secular entertainment is permitted by those in authority. We feel that we cannot let such action pass without protest, as our religious scruples are seriously offended.’’ The Mayor said it had been advertised that the picture was to be screened all day and certain councillors did not understand that was to be done. He had spoken to the manager of the picture thentre and told him that the picture should be screened only in the afternoon and at night. The permission of the Council was given, subject to approval of the programme.

In reply to Cr Bloor, the Mayor said it was now intended to screen the pictures in the evening. Cr Newsham moved —That permission be given to screen the pictures at night, subject to the programme being approved by the Mayor and Crs Whiting and Law. Cr Bloor seconded. Cr Allely asked why the Ministers’ Association did not protest against the playing of games on Sundays. The people had not been told to keep Good Friday holy. He could not see any harm in showing pictures on Good Friday, but personally he would not attend. The Mayor said a large number of people did not look upon Good Friday as a religious day, but they respected the feelings of those who regarded it as such. He was in favour of a motion that the screening of the pictures be allowed only in the evening. Cr Wallace moved an amendment That the letter from the Ministers’ Association be received, and they be advised that the screening is confined to the evening. Cr Daines seconded.

Cr Newsham, with the consent of his seconder withdrew his motion. Cr Wallace’s amendment then became the motion and was put and carried.