Ban on Amusements in A National Emergency

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 114, 17 May 1939, Page 8

Ban on Amusements in A National Emergency

SUGGESTION IN BRITAIN LONDON, April 28. The banning of cinema and theatre performances is one of a series of drastic proposals being studied to deal with a national •emergency. The object is to prevent the gathering of crowds. Such a step would be in contrast to the Great War, when amusements and recreations were carried on as part of everyday life. It would be necessary now to protect the civil population against intense aerial bombardment. It is expected that the general governing principle will be to advise the public not to concentrate anywhere in

large numbers. Football and cricket matches, grey* hound races and other big sports may be banned. No attempt will be made to prevent church services, but cwtain advice night be offered to the heads of churches in order to prevent a catastrophe. A series of small services may be suggested. It is intended to evacuate to place* of safety one-third of the population in vulnerable areas, this number being greatly in excess of any announcement so far made. The railways will be utilised entirely for the official evacuation, the road* being confined to priority evacuations and the traffic of troops, guns and military supplies. It will be difficult for unauthorised persons to obtain petrol; consequently it is hoped to avoid any mass road evacuation.