SLUMP IN CINEMAS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1933, Page 2

SLUMP IN CINEMAS

CLOSING OF 104 THEATRES, NEARLY ALL IN SMALL TOWNS. AUCKLAND, January 23. The extent to which the depression is being felt by the picture theatres is referred to in the annual report of the New Zealand Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association.

“During the period under review the process of adjustment to the new low economic levels has stedily proceeded,” states the report. “Decreased earning and spending power of the masses means decreased revenue to the picture theatres, and few businesses, il any, have suffered from the depression to the extent ours has. No fewer than 104 picture shows have gone out of business within the last two years and a half; of these, 96 were in the smaller towns. “In the year just ended nine theatres were closed, as compared with 33 the previous year, this seeming, to indicate that the point of stabilisation lia s been nearly reached. During this latter period six new shoivs have been started, thus leaving a net decrease of 98 theatres ill the two and a half years. “The total number of picture theatres at present shoiving in New Zealand is 316, and if to these are adcUd ]8 circuits comprising 110 small towns showing pictures regularly at intervals varying from once a week to once a month, there are 426 theatres and halls where pictures are screened regularly on a commercial basis. In addition, there are 14 institutes, such as schools, snnatariums, etc., where pictures are shown regularly, making a grand total of 44Q places where pictures are regularly! screened.”