USE OF THE TOWN HALL

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 48, 25 August 1931, Page 4

USE OF THE TOWN HALL

EXHIBITIONS OF BRUTALITY-

In strong terms, Mr. J. \V. Black, in a letter to the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislup), read at last night's meeting of the Wellington City Council, denounced wrestling in general, and contended that the Town Hall should no longer be made the stage for displays that "merely cater for and foster tiiu most, depraved tastes of the community." Mr. Black nsked when it was proposed to prohibit the use of the Town Hall for "exhibitions of brutality." The details of tho wrestling contests, ho contended, were invariably more or less revolting; matches wera nearly always determined by one of the participants being disabled beyond the ability to carry on. In almost every ease tho spectators expressed themselves by hooting one or both of the contestants (and possibly the referee), and the whole business was characterised by brutality, a Jack of sportsmanship, and an utter disregard or consequences to life and limb that could not but be degrading to tho onlookers, and was in tho last degree discreditable to all concerned. The hone was expressed by Mr. Black that the council had not forgotten the resolution passed in October last after the Edwards-Alley match, even although it might not deem itself to be bound by the decisions of its predecessors. It w;is suggested that the recent contest between "Walker and Pinto provided sufficient ground for action, though almost any bout might serve equally well. It was not merely a- question of "foul practices" or breaches of rules; the condemnation of the game, it was alleged, lay in the fact that within the rules it was objectionable. "I respectfully submit," concluded Mr. Black, "that in the name of the city's sense of dignity and decency the Town Hall should no longer be made the stage for displays that merely cater for and foster the most depraved tastes of the community." In his reply, the Mayor said he had had some communications from individuals on the question, and had taken the precaution of referring the matter to the police with a view to their seeing that the rules and regulations were strictly complied with. However, any exhibition which in future showed that the authorities were not abiding by the requirements would lead to drastic action being taken by the council. "What arc you going to do about it1?" asked one councillor, after the letter had been read. The- Mayor: "So long as they abide by the rules of the game I sec no ■necessity of: doing anything about it." The Mayor's action was approved, and there was no further discussion. j