New Britain herald., 1929-07-20
THE OBSER VER- Makes Random Observations
 On the City ano Its People

|VVVVVVVVVVVVVV hundreds of ballots presented rep resented less than half the number of people. according 10 the theater owners, who saw the shows. There was some skepticism as to the ac- tual figures giving the entire patron age.
 No one raised the point that the no2-Voting theater patrons might be neutral on the issue. The ministers, who demonstrated an array of talent which would have made many a group of lawyers feel that their ef- forts were futile. claimed that those who did not vote for Sunday after noon movies necessa rily were op- posed to it. The old religious arsu- meut, He who is not with me must be against me" was implied. Judge filling made no aggressive fight.
 Singularly enough. the clergy used almost the same line of argument as the theaters. They claimed tha- they represented the entire mambcr- ship of the churches. No contention was made that the movies were in- moral, objectionable, untrue or detrimental to the best interests of the country. It was just impl;ed that Sunday afternoon was no time for movies. and, because the min isters objected, the entire member ship of the churches also objects.
 The theaters lost another bet in this argument by failing to print out that the motion picture heaters draw more people than the com- bined churches do. They also failed to point out that this fact is ad- mitted by the mere foct that churches as rule arc not built large enough to house thelr entire membership. indicating that the membership is not expected to at tend church in 100 per cent volume.
 The ministers argued that an ex- tension of movies to Sunday after noon would be a step toward com mercializing the Sabbath. No one recalled a movement a short time ago to clamp the lid tight on the city on Sunday, which was upset when a certain rabbi and his friends argued that Saturday was the Jew ish Sabbath and asked if the inten- tion was to make it a double holi- day. Neither did anyone point out that 8 quiet Sunday afternoon in a motion picture theater might be elevating, instructive, and entertain ing.
 It was generally believed at that time that some members of the or dinance committee had their minds made up before the hearing and that the theater interests were bucking a stone wall.
 This year, at the hearing on July 25, Alderman Johnson says the pub does not propose. insofar as he Is concerned, to let either side influence his decision. It makes no differ ence to him, he ayers. what the clergy or the theaters want. He wants to know what the public wants.
 The chairman has refused 10 post pone the hearing until late in tue fall because two ministers are out ol the city on their vacation. He says
 it is not a matter that directly coi- cerns the churches, at least to tha extent that they should seek special faNors. He would not postpone the hearing because a movie owner w2re out of the city, he adds.
 The alderman contends that his mind is open 10 all arguments pro and con, but that he fails 10 sec any serious danger 10 the city either way. Other cities permit Sunday afternoon movies and no harm IS done. Sunday sports both indoors and out are permitted. Certain kinds Of business places are open sundays Automobile riding is permitted on the highway. People are permitted to stay home and read good books on Sundays. while certain element which now hangs around street cor ners might go to the movies and stay out of mischief" he argues.
 He also points out that a number of churches run motion pictures Sunday evenings and says he fails to see why it is wicked to do on Sun- day afternoon what is perfectly all right Sunday evening.
 The alderman might also recall to mind the fact that the clergy. after defeating the Sunday aftern'on movies. petitioned the state authorl- ties for the privilege Of opening their sunday evening movie services ll the afternoons and were refused literally moist by their own petard. Fire House Killed
 Tor Political Reasons
 The fate of the west end fire sta 1lon-dntermined. it is claimed at shore party at Cornfield Point where Alderman J. GustaNe John son. leader of the opposition. enter teined 19 Of his republican brethren in the latter part Of last week-ls a source of displeasure 10 the resi- dents of Barnesdale and vicinity.
 Hot under the collar. the mem- hers of an improvement associalo'l made up of property owners Tn thls locality had met but two nsh's prior 70 the common council meet ing and protested the treatment they are being accorded by the municipal government by being left without proper sewerage. They re- ceved with great satisfaction and relief the report of several Of their members that the No. s fire station was an assured and settled thing,
 Then came the crushing blow dealt by the council Wednesday ,,;rb+ ,.k,cr tho o0 repnh1ipanS aid