Snt,—Miss Rose Macaulay asks for a reply to her letter
in reference to the defeated Sunday theatre proposals. On the specific point raised, it is obvious that if Sunday theatres were permitted, they would open an Sunday evenings or afternoons. Sunday evening public worship is a very long established practice. In a large number of cases churches are more filled in the evenings than the mornings. Sunday afternoons in almost all churches are devoted to Sunday- school work, the religious education of children and young people— surely a work of the highest national importance. But the issue is not a question of competition between church and theatre. It is the preservation in the national life of the institution of Sunday as a day of rest and freedom, with opportunity for family-life and corporate worship. To commercialise Sunday is to undermine its distinctive character. That is why this Alliance not only fought against Sunday theatres, but also against Sunday cinemas and Sunday trading in shops and licensed premises. To quote the Prime Minister's words: "Sunday is a Divine and priceless institution— the birthright of every British subject."—Yours, &c., REGINALD T. CODD, General Secretary.
Imperial Alliance for the Defence of Sunday, Alliance House, Caxton Street, Westminster, S.W. r.
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