PICTURE ON SUNDAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21233, 13 July 1932, Page 10

PICTURE ON SUNDAY.

MOUNT EDEN THEATRE.

' OBJECTION BY RESIDENT.

SCREENING A SACRED FILM

The screening of the sacred film, "King of Kings," in the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount. Eden, on Sunday, June 26, was the subject of a spirited discussion at a meeting of the Mount Eden Borough Council last evening.

The matter -was introduced by the receipt of a letter from a resident of the district objecting to a permit to screen the picture having been granted to Father J. J. O'Byrne, contrary to the council's policy of prohibiting Sunday entertainments. A letter was also received from Amalgamated Theatres, Limited, proprietors of the theatre, who pointed out that admission to the theatre on the Sunday in question was by voluntary contributions, no set charge being made, and the total proceeds were handed to Father O'Byrne for charitable purposes. The company was of the opinion that the complaint was a "petty one." Mr. E. J. Mills expressed the opinion that a dangerous precedent was being raised in granting permission for the holding of Sunday pictures. The Mayor, Mr. T. McNab: Absolutely. "I think this little episode will finish the use of the theatre on Sundays, said the Mayor. "As far as I aim concerned I would not give a permit to anyone in future —not even the churches. Mr. McNab added that if councillors wished to know details of .Father O'Byrne's application for a permit they should ask Mr. Mulvihill, as "he was behind it."

Mr. J. J. Mulvihill: That remark was uncalled for, but I anticipated it. On tho Friday night I was approached by Father o'Byrne, who was then a stranger to me, aboujj screening the picture. I referred him to the Mayor and tho deputy-mayor,' and expressed no opinion one way or the other. Tho Mayor; Father O'Byrne told mo there would be no opposition from you and your party in this council. Mr. Mulvihill: I told Father O'Byrne that it was stated I had shown opposition to Amalgamated Theatres, and that if the proposition was turned down I would get the blame. An impression seems to have got about tliat I am out to "down" the Crystal Palace Theatre. As far as "party" is concerned, 1 do not regard myself as having any party. The Mayor: That is quite right. You haven't. The deputy-mayor, Mr. W.. H. Nagle, said Father O'Byrne had personally approached him about granting a permit for the screening of the picture on Sunday, June 26. "I asked him why ho had come to me and he replied, 'You are the deputy-mayor,' " continued Mr.' Nagle. "I told him that the position of deputymayor did not confer any additional powers on me, and I want councillors to understand that. The only additional powers I have are in the absence of the Mayor. I object to a councillor sending anyone to me, seeing that I have no powers other than those of ordinary councillors."

The Mayor: As far as I am concerned, there will never be another picture shown on Sunday in Mount Eden.

Tho incident then closed