LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 192, 12 February 1912, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Sir—l read with some interest youi full account of the discussion about oui Town Hall being ignored by the travel ling companies, and felt amused at some of the excuses put forward. Wasn't il threatened once that unless a big advance agent could get better treatment than he was getting he would not bring a, show to Stratford after his 1911 bookings expired ? I think I can remember something of the kind. But our city fathers, who at that time viewed theatres as they would the plague, thought Stratford was the hub of the theatrical universe, and they could do as they liked, or else, like Cr. Sangster, they considered it would be good business to keep these companies out. To me, Sir, this hall farce is a, very potent reason for opposing municipal ownership. You get good, sensible borough councils as a rule, but sometimes there are councillors who are faddists and ride their fads to death. It is a fad with some people that threatrical shows are bad for a town. Well, if theatrical companies don't oome in and take our cash, it only goes away in some other form of pleasure, perhaps less beneficial and more expensive. One point for the Borough Council to remember is that they have built a town hall out of ratepayers' money, and are not doing much to make it what the Premier calls interest-bearing. Why, even the visiting picture show is unable to secure a regular night, lpst J.C.W. should come aldng and want it, or the Council might want it for a debate on electric light and private streets or a charity hop. I have written at greater length than I intended, Sir. Concluding, I have this to say: That the town clerk hit the nail on the head when he told the Council that the agent Baid the | Stratford people wouldn't supports good play. The attendance at the concert i given by that delightful little singer, Miss Thelma Petersen, on Tuesday night proved that nothing good need apply in j Stratford. If you will insert this letter in the Stratford page of your paper I would be glad.—l am, etc., W.H.S.