CHRISTMAS DAY AMUSEMENTS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20426, 22 December 1931, Page 10

CHRISTMAS DAY AMUSEMENTS.

NEW BRIGHTON DECISION. PICTURES AND MINIATURE GOLF. At a meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council last evening the question of whether picture proprietors should be allowed to show pictures in the borough on Christmas Day was the subject of some discussion. A similar question . was dealt with in regard to the opening of a miniature golf course on Christmas Day. Cr. S. «T. B. Bargrove introduced the matter when lie moved the adoption of the Standing Committee reports, with the exception of clauses recommending that the managements of two picture theatres be allowed to show pictures on Christmas Day. Cr. Bargrove contended 'that pictures were entirely moneymaking concerns, and it was not fair that one business place should be allowed to open while another should not. Cr. A. E. Lawry, in seconding the motion, said that he did so from a different,. point of view.. It was the principle which was at stake. Cr. J. S. Ainsworth said that he would have to oppose the motion, lie saw no reason for objection. Further discussion resulted in Cr. Bargrove's motion being lost, and Cr. Ainsworth's motion, that the reports be adopted, was carried. When the' application for permission to open a miniature golf course on Christmas Day came up for consideration, Cr. Bargrove moved that permission be refused. "I feel that every working man should havo a holiday on this day,", said Cr. Bargrove. "Tho running of the game is purely a business proposition." Cr. Lawry seconded the motion, asking whether tho Council liad the necessary jurisdiction. The Mayor, Mr E. A. M. Leaver, said he thought the Council had such jurisdiction. Cr. T. E. Thomson moved, as an amendment, that permission be granted. Cr. Ainsworth said that Christmas Day was a day of enjoyment, and leniency should be allowed. Cr. W. E. Wilkins: We should not po round with long faces. I think we should grant the request. Cr. R. E. Holloway said that if paid employees were involved he was against tho pliiyinjr of the name on Christmas Day; otherwise he would suonort the motion. The Mayor: I am entirely in accord with Cr. Williams. The day is one of rejoicing. Cr. Bargrove. in reply, said that the point he objected to was that one business was allowed to open while others were not. The motion was lost, and Cr. Thomson's amendment, that tho application be granted, and left in the hands of the Mayor ,and Town Clerk to arrange, was carried.