CHRISTMAS DAY

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1929, Page 13

CHRISTMAS DAY

THEATRES NOT TO BE OPENED. No picture houses will be open in Christchurch on Christmas Day. This decision, which was made by the City Council By-Laws Committee, was approved by the council last week. The committee reported that an application had been received for permission to open four theatres on Christmas Day for the purpose of screening pictures. Following the procedure of previous years, the committee had decided not to grant the application. Councillor H. T. J. Thacker said he saw no reason why the picture theatres should be shut up on Christmas Day. Christmas Day was not a sad day, but was a day of joy, and cricket matches and bicycle races were held. He considered that the picture theatres should be allowed to be kept open on Christmas I Day on condition that half the takings were given to the unemployment fund. “That’s a very fine suggestion,” said the Mayor, “but there appears to be no indication that the proprietors of these theatres would fall in with it.” Councillor Thacker: We could put it up to them. The Mayor said he did not agree that the council should make the suggestion to the picture theatre proprietors. In his opinion Christmas Day was one day in the year which the picture theatre employees should be allowed to spend with their families. They should be considered rather than making profits for the proprietors. Councillor Thacker: What about the tramway employees? Should not they have the day oil as well? The Mayor: We have no control over them. Without further discussion the recommendation of the committee was adopted by eight votes to seven.