XMAS PICTURES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 15 November 1939, Page 4

XMAS PICTURES

PERMISSION GRANTED DECISION REVERSED EMPLOYEES WILLING TRIPLE PAY ALLOWED Tlie Gisborne Borough Council last night reversed a previous decision and granted permission to the picture proprietors to screen pictures on Christmas Day.

Whcir the council discussed the matter at its previous meeting and refused the request, it was stated that the employees were entitled to Christmas Day off duty, that argument being one of the principal ones used.

Last night letters were laid before the' council from the three theatre

managers, Messrs. J. D. Mcßrearty, V. Clouston and Will. B. Keany, and also from members of the staffs.

“We, the undermentioned picture theatre managers,” the first letter stated, “have been approached by our staffs requesting the council to consider the question of granting permission to screen pictures on Christmas night.

“The staffs consider, as permission was refused with the idea of giving them the day off', that they have been victimised instead of being granted a favour. The awards provide for triple pay, which is most, acceptable to the staff at this period. "We would like to point, out that work is voluntary on this day, and no one is compelled to work who wishes the day off.” Petition From Employees A petition, signed by 20 members of the three staffs, was presented to the council asking that the council should reconsider its decision.

“We consider that an injustice has been done us in the cancellation of the Christmas Day (evening session) screening,” the petition stated. ‘ This is the one and only opportunity we have of earning triple pay. This extra remuneration is very welcome to us at this period of the year. “After a combined meeting of the various theatre staffs, the managements were approached, and they have agreed to bring this matter before the council for their consideration.

The Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., said he had not ‘ opposed the screenings on Christmas Day on religious grounds, although ho objected to Good Friday pictures on that account. His objection was that some of tiie employees had asked him to oppose Christmas pictures, because they desired the day off, but he noted that some of them had signed the petition.

No Pressure Brought

Cl-. E. Harris said that he had been approached by one of the employees, who said that in the past they had not been entitled to payment other than ordinary wages, but now triple pav was awarded. Only a portion of the staffs would be required, and lots would have to be drawn among those who desired to work. No pressure had been used on the employees, he was told.

Cr. H. H. DeCosta said he had asked all employees if they wished to work, and none objected to doing so. He found that no coercion had been used on the employees. He moved that the request of the picture proprietors be acceded to.

The motion was seconded by Cr Harris, and carried unanimously.