PERMISSION DECLINED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 237, 13 November 1940, Page 5

PERMISSION DECLINED

PICTURE SCREENING ON CHRISTMAS DAY COUNCIL DIVIDED IN OPINION The Borough Council was divided in opinion when an. application to screen pictures 011 Christmas Day was received from Whaltatane Amusements Ltd. The division was not equal, however, and permission , was declined by five Votes to four.

The Mayor said that for the past two years permission had been granted and apparently, there had been no objection. Judging by thp Press sheet enclosed with the application the picture proposed to be screened was quite suitable.

Cr Sullivan thought the council should demonstrate Christianity to some extent. The position in tlic world to-day had been, largely brought about by an entire lack of the fundamentals of Christianity.. The council should set some example and he moved that permission be declined.

Gr Canning seconded the motion, saying that some observance should be made.

His Worship said he would agree that Christianity was being undermined and that was the root of a lot of trouble in the world to-day. He would not agree to permission being granted for such a day as Good Friday, but Christmas Day, to his mind, was a day of rejoicing. ple would flock to the beaches. For two years the application had been approved and he could see no reason why the practise should not be continued.

Cr Shapley said the council had to consider the general religious views of the community.

Five voted for Gr Sullivan's moion and four against it.