SUNDAY THEATRES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 117, 21 May 1942, Page 3

SUNDAY THEATRES

EXPERIMENT IN SYDNEY DEMANDS FOR EXTENSION Sydney, May 14. The first opening of tneatres on Sunday in Sydney, for Allied troops, has been followed oy demands for extension. Several Labour members ol of the New South Wales Parliament, including at least one Minister, are moving to induce the Government to allow munition workers to attend the entertainments. The only civilians allowed admittance last Sunday were friends accompanying members of the Allied lighting force's Mr. M. A. Davidson, member of the Legislative Assembly for Cobar, said yesterday that munition workers were working long hours in doing a great war job, and they should be entitled to entertainment if their time-off fell on Sunday night. The Federal Government has left it to the State Government to carry out its wish that there should be entertainment for troops on week-end leave. The New South Wales Chief Secretary, Mr. Baddeley, decided that only two theatres—one films, one stage—would be opened for the first three weeks, to enable the demand to be gauged. The accommodation (2755) at the picture theatre opened last Sunday was insufficient, and hundreds were turned away alter waiting in queues which stretched half a block in two directions. Troops paid half-price, but full price was charged for tneir companions. At the stage show, a vaudeville programme, ail the 1933 seals were not filled. Full rates, from 5s 4d to Is, were charged for both the troops and their friends. Two other theatres will take their turn to open next Sunday. Their total accommodation is 120 U less than that provided last Sunday.