PICTURE SHOWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12776, 21 October 1919, Page 5

PICTURE SHOWS.

RESTRICTION ON HOURS REPEALED.

LOCAL AUTHORITY CONTROL FORECASTED. [From Otjr Correspondent. ] WELLINGTON, October 20,

When the Puolic Health Act Amendment Bill was m committee to-night a sharp division of opinion whs voiced on the proposal to repeal tne clause passed last year closing picture cheat* es m the morning and between fcuo hour® of five and seven in tho even'ng Mr Pearce opened the disjasjioa with an emphatic expression of opinion that tho present law should stand in the interest of public health. The Prime Minister, who was in charge of the Bill, pointed out that the local authority had power under the Bill to mate and enforce by-laws regulating the hours of picuuo shows, and if the local authority tailed to enforce the by-law the Jristnct Health Officer had power to do so, and charge any costs incurred to the local authority. Mr Witty argued that the Bill fulfilled requirements respecting picture shows, but Mr Heed contended thin the local authority would not have power to close picture theatres unless it could be proved that ventilation was irsi fißtient. The result would be time picture shows would open at ten in tie morning and remain open continuously. Ho considered that last year’s clause should be retained.

Dr Newman expressed riio opinion that in Auckland and other largo centres the modern picture theatres had a most up-to-date method of vm illation, and it was quite unnecessary to close them.

This view was supported by Air Parr. Mr I raser declared that experience had shown that the closing of picture theatres did not work out as was intended. Ho particularly objected to the closing of theatres between the hours of live and seven, because on stormy nights queues of people stood outside picture theatres running far bigger risk of sickness than if tllev were sitting inside. Mr Luke suggested giving Weal authorities power to prescribe htfSSrs of picture theatres. * Mr Massey stated this would involve an amendment or the Municipal Corporations Act. If it was relevant to the Bill ho would have accepted it, and he would include it in any amendment of the Municipal Corporations Act. The clause repealing the limitation of picture show hours was adopted.