TRENDS IN AMERICA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20009, 7 August 1939, Page 3

TRENDS IN AMERICA

FRIENDSHIP TO BRITAIN PROSPECTS FOR BUSINESS “Although it appeared to me that the country is definitely friendly to the British, there are plenty of people who do not hesitate to bring lip the subject of unpaid war debts," said Mr. M. ,1. Moodabe, governing director of Amalgamated Theatres, Limited, interviewed in Auckland on his return from a business tour of the United States. That failure had given rise to a feeling of mistrust among the people. The -strength of the isolationists in America had caused him concern.

"In almost every Liberal newspaper in the country you find some editorial note indicating the tremendous antipathy many Americans have to any move that might draw America into a European war," Mr. Moodabe said.. An instance of this was President Roosevelt’s failure to have the Neutrality Act revised. In the film industry Mr. Moodabe predicted a prosperous year, but the prospects for genera] business were not so bright. In New York the indications were poor,' The World's Fair there was affecting the business of local merchants and was not in itself a financial success.

“I was able to shed some light on the difficulties experienced by the Labour Government," added Mr, Moodabe. lie had several times mol with expression? of surprise at the measures to which it had recourse. When in Hollywood Mr. Moodabe made arrangements for a tour of the Dominion next year by the comedy team of the Hit?. Brothers and the child actress, Jane Withers. They would travel under the auspices of his company.