Sunday Films In Issue

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30794, 5 July 1965, Page 8

Sunday Films In Issue

(Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.)

SYDNEY, July 4. The controversial subject of whether or not Sydney should have licensed Sunday entertainment, especially films, is being aired officially again. In the past, lots of people have had plenty to say about the matter but little has been done to get over one of the first hurdles—the amendment

of the British Sunday Observance Act of 1781, a statute in force in New South Wales under which charging admission to an entertainment on a Sunday is prohibited. ' This time, however, after a recommendation by the Sydney City Council that theatres and cinemas should be allowed to open on Sundays, the chief secretary. Mr Willis, has moved and now is carrying out a wide survey. “I want to hear what all sections have to say about the matter—there is no point in

making up my mind until then,” he said. Another piece of legislation that will have to be reviewed before any change can be made to the existing Sunday arrangements is the Theatres and Public Halls Act under which any person holding a public meeting or public entertainment on a Sunday can be penalised. But it is within the power of the Ministers to allow a theatre or public hall to be used for sacred concerts.

In his survey Mr Willis has included, initially, all theatres, drive-ins, sporting bodies and unions, and if their views are in the affirmative, he will then approach the churches. After he had received the replies of all concerned he will decide what is to be done.