CHRISTMAS PICTURES

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14538, 9 December 1920, Page 6

CHRISTMAS PICTURES

COUNCILLORS OBJECT. DIVISION OF OPINION. MAYOR ON INCONSISTENCY. ’ At the last meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council, permission was granted the Strand Picture Co. to show an appropriate picture programme on Christmas night. Last evening a similar application was received from the Theatre Royal Co. in respect to its two theatres. The Mayor (Mr J. R. Fow) sain the Council had granted one application and if the programme was approved bv the Council in this case he thought they should grant the permission asked. Cr Lowry said he regretted very much that he was not present at the last meeting, ns he would have objected to Christmas pictures being permitted. He did not know of anything that had happened to warrant the Council changing the policy it adopted last year. The pictures were merely a money-making game, and the talk of educational benefit was nothing. He thought they should recognise Christ, mas as a sacred day in the same way as they regarded Good Friday. Cr Brind: I suppose you know, your Worship, that Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year.

Cr Barton: Saturday! (Laughter.) Cr Barton did not think it fair to compare Christmas Day with Good Friday. Christmas was a day of jubilation. Cr Harp: "You might think it strange, your Worship, that I did not object to the application at the last meeting, bill it was pushed through so quickly that I had no time to got on my feet The objectionable feature is that the pictures will he on during church hours. That is why I would not vote for any sacred concerts on a Sunday night. Christmas is a sacred day for us.

Cr. Johnston did not see why Hamilton should differ from other towns, where entertainments on Christmas night were general. Games were also played during daylight hours in most towns on that day.

The Mayor (Mr J. R. Fow) said that while the'Royal Co. no doubt made a mistake last year in flouting the Council. yet the company w r as apparently trying to retrieve for its discourtesy. His Worship reminded Or Harp that he tried very hard not long ago to gel consent to the Male Choir holding a rehearsal on a Sunday afternoon. Councillors should try and he consistent ns far as possible. In these matters. The Council had no desire to interfere with the church services.

Cr Harp; But we don’t get out till 8.30.

fir Barton: Then you will miss the pictures. (Laughter.) Cr Harp: But I don't go to pictures. The Council decided to grant the application.