THE THEATRICAL WORLD

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 122, 27 April 1925, Page 12

THE THEATRICAL WORLD

PALMERSTON lAN ABROAD. NOW OCCUPYING lIIGII POSITION

Reference to Mr W. T. Cronin, a former resident of Palmerston North, who was recently appointed sales manager for J. C. Williamson Films, Ltd., is contained in the current issue of Everyones, an Australian theatrical journal. “Mr Cronin is particularly well known at the Film House, and in the iilm world generally," states that publication. “Ill* lias a genial personality, and is a battler, and ull his friends will wish him the host in his new sphere of activities. A graceful compliment, and one which was much appreciated by him, was the note of welcome from the staff of J.C.W. Films which was pinned to his desk on taking over.” Mr Cronin is a New Zealander by birth, and Everyone's caught him recently in a reminiscent mood. “1 was born in a town in New Zealand called Palmerston North, where all the big men come from. Harry Midler was manager of the Opera House there, and as a small l>oy .1 used to hang round, looking for fresh lields and pastures new, and travel and trouble. I got the latter. After worrying the life out of Harry Muller, I at length persuaded him that a job and I would go well together. I was engaged as a utility man, 1 posted hills during the morning, cleaned up the theatre during the day, and helped to work on the stage and the flics in the evenings. I might mention, parenthetically, that this was before tiie days of the unions, or I might have been well and truly declared black. 1 worked on and oil for 15 and 16 hours a day. From time to time I got the chance of taking several trips with the various Williamson shows visiting the Dominion. 1 was generally styled assistant agent. The title sounded line, but the work was just the same old thing, bill posting and sneaking out at night, dodging the police arid sticking bills anywhere and everywhere. “Only a short while ago I was introduced (o some New Zealanders over in Sydney for a holiday. When he heard my name one of them said: Cronin, why you are the fellow I’ve been looking for lor seventeen years or more. \\ hat did you mean by sticking thoso blessed play-bills on my "front gate. 1 then got a chance with Tom Pollard. Of course, by now, L fancied myself fitted for an important managerial position, but the job was just the same —assistant agent. Then something wonderful happened. A. M. Miller, of West's, wired me to take over the advance work for their No. 2 company, 1 hail never seen him, nor had ho me, and, full of importance, 1 journeyed to Auckland to tiie Opera House there. When he saw me lie said: What eau I do for you, my son ? "It was a terrible blow to my dignity, as I had just about reached the age of discretion. However, when we both recovered from our respective shocks, 1 got the job and remained with them lor nearly two years, travelling from end to end of the Shaky Isles ahead of our shows. The work was, to say the least of it, arduous. Advance work to-day is a king to it in the old days. We carried a full band and company of electricians and operators, and the man ahead had to do all his own bill posting, publicity and arrange for accommodation at tiie hotels. As it was no uncommon thing for us to do 20 or 30 consecutive one-night stands, this meant some going. “Tiring of New Zealand, I joined up with a travelling magician for a two years’ tour of the world, but when 1 got to Sydney I realised that- I had reached the Mecca of my dreams, and we parted. 1 joined up with West’s on this side, doing their country touring. We used to do five nights a week and then back to Sydney. We did sometimes 800 miles each week, sleeping in tiie train for two and three nights running. 1 have visited practically every town of importance in New South Wales, ami have the highest admiration | for tiie type of showman working in the , country towns. lie is often up against I a very lough proposition, but lie is a slicker, and he usually gets there no matter what obstacles he may have to surmount.” In 1914 Mr Cronin took on another contract in which a- rifle and a suit of khaki took the place of the paste pot and brush, | and when matters relative to the same were j settled to the satisfaction of all parties, lie returned to Australia. “1 was then appointed export manager for Australian Films, subsequently, leaving for Java and the East, hut my health broke down and I was forced to return, and this time i joined the despatch department of Australasian Eilms. After a while I was promoted to the position of manager of the printing department of the same linn, a position which I held down until 1 was appointed to my present position.” It- was as the result of his work in tliis latter capacity that Mr Cronin was selected to lill the important role allotted to him, and no doubt iiis earlier work, which brought hint into personal touch with the showmen, was an important consideration.

Mr Grunin is fortunate in having served hi.-> apprenticeship in the old ami luud school. ilis early experience fell lightly on his shoulders probably by reason of one sense, which is highly developed in his make-up. Wo refer to his undoubted sense of humour, without which many a man is lost. 'Io see humour as Air Cronin sees it in the early days of struggle augurs -well for his future activities. His knowledge of country conditions, too. lie may count a valuable asset, added which he possesses an undoubted en thusiasm for bis work. “In the past, ’ said AH- Cronin, “I have acquired a lot of knowledge of the show business from all angles, but this is the lirst time that I have concentrated upon a particular line. My experience of the showmen of the past has always been of assistance to me, and 1 fee! sure that it will he so in the future. I want them to feel that they can open my door and say : Hullo, Bill.” Air W. Cronin is a brother of Air R. Cronin, who holds a position in the traffic department of the Palmerston North Borough Council.