HOOLIGANISM AT CINEMAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27505, 27 September 1950, Page 8

HOOLIGANISM AT CINEMAS

Sir,—l would like to comment upon the behaviour ol none other than hooligans of both sexes in their early teens at a popular picture theatre last Friday night. Despite the efforts of the manager and ushers, no one could enjoy the music or the pictures, one's attention being distracted. Are Friday night entertainments to be spoiled by the disgraceful behaviour of young people who appear to congregate at theatres on that evening? The parents are entirely to blame, although one wonders if this behaviour is a reaction to less discipline at schools these days. I make no hesitation in mentioning intermediate and all secondary schools and not leaving out a number of pupils from private schools. If family life is all it should be there is no peed for youngsters to make theatres their weekly rendezvous. Surely the management is within its rights in insisting that these 12 to 16-year-old hoodlums leave the theatres, minus their admittance fee. thus eliminating the nuisance somewhat. No doubt some irate parents will say, it would not be my John or Jean, but let those parents attend Friday evening, pictures unknown to their offspring, and no doubt the way the youngsters congregate and behave will leave no room for argument. The cause lies chiefly at the parents’ own door.—l am, etc.. Music Lover.