COUNCIL RESOLUTE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 8, 7 December 1937, Page 11

COUNCIL RESOLUTE.

CHRISTMAS NIGHT PICTURES

PERMISSION DECLINED

It was reported to the meeting of the Palmerston North City Council last evening that the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, Ltd., had written stating that the various theatre interests operating in Palmerston North desired to approach the council bv deputation regarding the opening of theatres on Christmas Night. It was decided that the corporation be advised that the council had no objection to receiving a deputation, but that, owing to the fact that the council was definitely opposed to the screening of pictures on the day referred to, it wa.s positive that the representations of the deputation would not alter the position. By letter the applicants pointed out that Palmerston North w.vis the only centre where application had been refused, other places which had hitherto withheld consent having on this occasion approved of the screening of pictures on Christmas Night, which being a Saturday this year, was a regular theatre night on which a large section of the public would be seeking 6ome form of entertainment. Tho council’s decision meant that the theatres would bo closed for two days. The council would havo the e opportunity of considering the programmes, and rejecting or approving of them. Double wages would be paid to employees on 'that night, there being provision in’ the award, and none who objected would be asked to work. It was felt that if the full facts were appreciated by the council, it would give an opportunity that evening for entertainment which was desired by the majority of the public. It was intended, in any event, to test the opinion of citizens, and the results_ would be submitted to the council in due course.

The Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) moved that the letter be received and the corporation advised that most of the points mentioned had already been considered by the council in arriving at its decision. ' This was seconded by Cr. R. L. C. Aitchison and carried. Cr. A. A. Langley stated that he understood a “straw vote” was being taken. The Mayor commented that doubtless there would be petitions a.nd so forth.