CHRISTMAS NIGHT PICTURES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23809, 1 December 1942, Page 4

CHRISTMAS NIGHT PICTURES

CITY COUNCIL REFUSES PERMISSION Christchurch is probably the only town in New Zealand, large or small, which refuses to allow pictures to be screened on Christmas night, according to the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews). He gave this information to the City Council last evening, when he supported applications for permission to screen pictures in Christchurch on Christmas night. Only seven councillors supported the Mayor, and a motion in favour of refusing applications made by Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., Christchurch Cinemas, Ltd., and the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, Ltd., was carried by nine votes to eight. In their applications, Amalgamated Theatres and Christchurch Cinemas stated that if permission was granted no member of the theatre staffs would be asked to work unless he or she desired to do so. The set rates of pay for Christmas night, which were triple the ordinary rates, would be paid, and the programmes to be screened would be submitted to the City Council for approval. Cr. H. E. Denton, who moved that the applications should be declined, said he saw no difference in them from those of prior years. Christmas pictures were hitting right down to the foundations of what Christmas was supposed to be. After the council's decision last year, a deputation of theatre employees had waited on him and thanked him for opposing the screening of pictures on Christmas Day. Cr. M. E. Lyons, who seconded the motion, said he had always adopted the view that if there was one thing really worthwhile in our British tradition it was the celebration of Christmas as a family gathering. “I may stand alone, but I stand consistent in favour of pictures on Christmas night,” said the Mayor. “I have always supported it, and I support it now, in view of the times in which we are living. It amazes me that some councillors year after year stand un moaning and crying on behalf of the workers in front of the house, I have spoken to workers in the front of the house, and a great number want to work on Christmas night. “I am strongly opposed to Sunday pictures, tennis, and bowls, but some of these very councillors who will support Sunday bowls consistently stand up and oppose Christmas pictures. I wonder if they would support Sunday pictures?” The Mayor informed the council (hat in his war-time capacity he had the power of granting permission for Sunday pictures if they were applied for without reference to anybody. If the Government allowed Sunday pictures, where was the harm in allowing pictures on Christmas night, which was not a sacred day? Cr. W. P. Glue said that Christmas Day was a day of rejoicing. There were Christmas cricket, boating, and sports of all sorts, and if people liked to round off the day at the" pictures no harm was done. The voting on the motion was;— For: Crs. J. S. Barnett, G. Manning, T. Green, 11. E. Denton, C. D. Sheppard. S. H. Maddren M. Kershaw. H. P. Donald, and M, E. Lyons. Against; The Mayor. Crs. M. McLean, \V. P. Glue, G. D. Griffiths, R. G. Brown. J. J. Hurley, F. S. Wilding, and J. N. Clarke.