During the trial closure of Martin Place between George Street and Pitt Street in 1970, Sydney City Council raised concerns about kissing and cuddling after several complaints were received by the public to Sydney City Council.
It wasn't just those who wanted to show their affection, but also, "lay-abouts", "no-hopers", hippies and Hare Krishnas raised concern. Referred to in the article as a "religious sect", the Hare Krishnas raised concern as they engaged in "singing, cymbals clashing and bongo drum thumping".
The view was that Martin Place was only suited to a "better class of people" who did not need to be subject to "molestation or nuisance".
Simply, the vision for who could access Martin Place by some was that people that were seen as either lazy, unemployed, lacked success in their life, held a low position in society or not seen as conforming to what was regarded as acceptable to society were not welcome, along with those who wanted to use the space to show their affections for one another.
It was disappointing to read that some held such a view. Public spaces such as Martin Place are meant to be open for all to use. It is a gathering place for all groups. Consider the protests and rallies that either travel through Martin Place or occur within the space. Music is in fact encouraged yet in 1970, it was being discouraged.
To quote "lay-abouts", this suggested that the unemployed were not welcome. Perhaps this may have extended to those who had a job but were not seen as productive. Sadly the reference to "no hopers" indicated that those that were seen as "unsuccessful" or were likely to "fail" were not welcome
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