RACE PICTURES AND THE MUNICIPAL YOKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1052, 18 January 1913, Page 3

RACE PICTURES AND THE MUNICIPAL YOKE.

(To the Editor!

Sir, —I can sincerely say that the sorest victim of my journalistic opprobrium has never found a true bill against me as a “captious critic,” whilst even as an irresponsible sub-editor of the “Arizona Kicker,” in the days when I was wont to “register futile kicks” against “Gods of Clay” and the subtle power of “King Graft,” I seldom transgressed with anything more irritating than “an asinine bray of derisive criticism,” and, therefore, being merely a genial and uninspired idiot, I propose to criticise, through the medium of your invaluable journal, the following advisory par contained in the -Town Clerk’s report, as published in your issue of the 14th inst: — “I would suggest that the prices to the picture show on race nights be raised to is and is 6d, or else no children’s tickets be sold; otherwise we shall not be able to find room for patrons on those nights. I may say that the prices are usually raised on race nights.” Now, sir, this proposal may not disturb the sang froid of the “gingerbread aristocracy,” or those who are graded “spot good fair” at the Bank, but I would like to voice the claim of those who man the great and thriving industry which is the primal source of local prosperity. These men, with their families, confer patronage upon the theatre the whole year round. This theatre is a highly profitable concern, and is controlled for the people, through the people, by the servants of the people. And yet, despite these cogent facts, the people must either allow themselves to be exploited or suffer the curtailment of their pleasure and the exclusion of their children on this, the night of Foxton’s great annual occasion. And why? Because the Councillors, in ‘ a spirit of sordid avarice, desire .to “make a big haul” from the visiting public. Thus human nature changeth not, and to-day, as of old, we might still say : “For he was a stranger, and they took him in.” Furthermore, at the present time some of the local workers are financially handicapped, owing to the period of enforced idleness during the festive season. But, of course, it is not to be expected that the Councillors will show a preferential consideration lor “vulgah flax workahs” when they have an opportunity to fleece the moneyed “birds of passage.” And still furthermore, will the Councillors allow me to assure them that, in my bumble opinion, the ordinary rates of admission are too high. It is, ot course, superfluous to mention the prevalent and Increasing cheapness of picture entertainments throughout the Dominion. In all the largest centres the best pictures are being screened continuously from 11 a.m, to n p.m., in lavishly appointed theatres, and the price of admission to all parts of the house for an indefinite time is 6d, and it is a self-evident proposition that no such theatre could profitably charge the “democratic bob.” Mr John Fuller is starting a new picture palace in Auckland, and proposes to charge 3d for adults and id for children. I do not wish to make odious comparisons, but these are “stubborn facts,” and should afford the local councillors lood for profitable reflection. In conclusion, 1 hope the day is not distant when we shall see some reduction in the prices of admission, for the present exhorbitant charges will undoubtedly foster competition by private promoters, and then, perhaps, in the not distant future, the public, with resentment for past unfairness, may seek entertainment elsewhere, and thus record a serious indictment against the great and politic principle of municipal ownership.—l am, etc., Jas. G. Graham. Foxtou, 17/1/13.