CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17756, 17 September 1927, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

(From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 16. ARTS SOCIETY PERTURBED. The Arts Society is ‘ concerned about a recommendation from tile / -Laws Committee 'of ‘ 'the City Council, to cancel its license to use the gallery as a dance hall. The Council has not yet approved of the •■recommendation, and the Art Society hopes to secure its reversal, pointing out that a revenue of £SOO is derived from the rent of the hall as a dancing room. The By-Laws Committee alleges that the'conduct ot dancers is a cause of annoyance to residents, but this 'is denied by Art Society officials and others, who declare th.it strict control is exercised. One of the* promoters of the weekly dances held at the Art Gallery, declared that the strictest, supervision was maintained over the conduct of patrons of dances. Am- rowdiness or misbehaviour in the lia'l was followed by immediate ejection. A man was specially employed to nrevent. as far as lie could, any tendency towards conduct outside which might be otfensive to neighbours. An effort had been made to secure the services of a police officer, whose wages would he paid hv tho dance promoters. This was refused, and an offer was made to pay double rates to any constable who might lie available. The police were unable to accept this offer. Drinking was not permitted inside tiie lia’l. was discouraged outside as well. ..dnnssion was refused to anyone who showed signs of being under the influence. The conduct of patrons of weekly dances was very good indeed, and the great, majority of -100 people who attended them supported the management. He admitted that it.was un"lortunato for residents that dances were held in tho vicinity,. but the samo .objection-.held in regard to other dance balls in. tho citv. They would all have io be closed if the fee’ings- of neighbours wore to be considered rather than “lie legitimate amusement of hundreds of people who attended the dances. PIONEERS. Among the .few surviving arrivals by tlm first four ships, is Mr Thomas L. Patrick, who came out with liia par. cuts, and ho resides at present at Rio carton, and though not enjoying thr best of health, still loves to talk of tho early days of the province. Mr and Mrs' Patrick are celebrating their golden wedding to-morrow, and the hero wishes of old colonists will go out to these two pioneers. |