EARLY APPLICATION

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 237, 4 July 1944, Page 3

EARLY APPLICATION

Christmas Day Pictures Christmas Day picture screenings have been discussed early this year by the Wellington City Council. It bad an application yesterday from Lyall Bay Pictures Limited to screen at Miramar and Lyall Bay ou Christmas Day. Decision was deferred for four weeks. / Cr. M. Fraser, moving that the application be refused, said that last Christmas there were special circumstances which no-longer existed. Cr. M. F. Galloway, hi support, said the sensibilities of a largo section of the public must be considered. Further, theatre employees wanted Christmas Day at. home and while they might not be compelled to work there could be questions of loyalty to their employers; also duress, of which the council* would not be aware. Cr. B. ,7. Todd, moving deferment of decision, said that Christinas Day in many churches was a time for rejoicing and there was ample time during the day for people to attend devotions and have some entertainment at night. There were also the many living in conditions which did not. permit of home circle gatherings to be considered. Cr. IV. 11. Stevens said he considered it would be unwise at this stage to make a decision on a suburban application which would tie the hands of the council. Cr. J. D. Sievwright said he believed that people should have freedom of decision ou such matters. Nothing could be more in keeping with this belief than to let them please themselves whether or not they attended pictures on Christmas- Day. The nmyor. Mr. Appleton, said consent was given Inst year subject to the staffs not being compelled to work. The operators did net work so there were no nict tires.

Ci*. Todd’s ameifiline* t. was carried by 13 voles to 3. Crs. Fraser, K. A. Wright and Galloway opposing it.