SILENT PICTURES v. “TALKIES.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4463, 10 June 1930, Page 3

SILENT PICTURES v. “TALKIES.”

BOROUGH COUNCIL DISCUSSES POSITION. MAYOR AND TOWN CLERK TO INSPECT INSTALLATIONS. For some time past the matter of installing “talkies” locally has been one of concern amongst local residents. Business people have, for the most part, favoured the suggestion on the grounds that large numbers of local residents are visiting other towns for their entertainment, whiehnlso encourages shopping out of Boston. The matter is one that has also received the serious consideration of the Town Clerk (Mr. Wm. Trueman) who, in his capacity of manager of the Town Hall pictures, lias been vitally interested in the serious inroads “talkies” have been making in competition with the silent- screen. Mr Trueman has been making a careful study of the position and at last night’s Borough Council meeting: he placed a considerable budget of data before the Council on the subject, included in which was a letter from Mr. N. Blennerliassett, of Tauraga, offering the Council £lB .per week for the rent, of the lease >of the Town Hall for ten years on the condition (hat- the Council allowed him to have the hall for £lfi per week for the first two years. •On liis part, lie undertook to in,stal an up-to-date “talkie” plant. ■He was prepared to pay the first month's rent in advance and take •the hall over from the Ist July, making provision annually for from six to ten days for. functions in the hall.

After the Town Clerk had introduced the subject the Mayor said the position with regard to installation of “talkies” in the Town Hall was a serious one. It, gave the Council some concern to see its patrons going to neighbouring towns to attend “talkie” performances. Three char-a-bancs had taken full complements over to Levin that evening to attend the “talkies” and there was talk of Shannon putting in an installation while the Railway Department was contemplating running a special train to Palmerston North on Saturdays to cater ’for “talkie” patrons. He had been waited on that day by a deputation of local business people who pointed out the seriousness of such a. proposal as it was contemplated running the special train to a time-table that would enable local residents to spend an hour or so in Palmerston North shopping prior to the commencement of the programme. If that occurred Fox-ton stood to lose a considerable sum weekly and something would have to he done to prevent it.

On tho suggct.sion of the Mayor the Council went into committee to discuss the position and after deliberations extending over an hour ;wo resolutions were passed, one declining Mr. Blenncrliassett’s offer and (he other authorising the Mayor and Town Clerk to visit Auckland to make inquiries as to the most suitable “talkie’’ plant to instal in the Town Hall.

On their return a special meeting of the Coueillors will he held to discuss the position and come to some definite decision.