GRANTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 90, 16 July 1943, Page 4

GRANTED

PICTURES ON CHkISTMAS DAY CR SULLIVAN'S OBJECTION The usual application for the right to screen pictures on the even-, ing of Christmas Day, came before the Whakatane Borough Council at its meeting last Monday from the manager of the Regent Theatre. The picture was stated to be a light musical comedy "My Girl Sal." The Mayor said he had no objection to the application which had been granted in past, years subject to the picture, being a suitable one. Cr Sullivan strongly opposed the permit. By law, he said, all business premises were required to be closfed and he could see no reason why any exception should be made of the theatres. Half the pictures which were released should be heavily censored and he could not see why screening should be. permitted on a day supposed to be the Sabbath of the country. Cr Creeke could not see any harm in pictures being shown for those who wanted to see them. People played games and, went picnicing on Christmas Day, everywhere they were to be seen enjoying themselves. What was different about a picture show. As a man who played games on Sundays he could see no harm' in it.. Cr Sullivan: Would you vote for opening the hotels on Sunday! Cr Creeke: Well—l can't see why not—but that comes in a tSfferent category. The Mayor said he could see no harm in attending a theatre on Christmas Day and those who didn't want, to go needn't! The motion agreeing to the screening was finally adopted, Cr Sullivan j dissenting.