A BIG SPEC.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 101, 14 September 1912, Page 7

A BIG SPEC.

TIIE RICKARDS' THEATRES.

•fust before ]u> died the late Benjamin Henry l.eetc, professionally known sis Harry Richards. directed -that his theatrical business should be disposed of within 12 months; Towards the end of week before last, it leaked out that Mr Hugh ]). Mcintosh had come to terms witih the trustees—Mrs Rickartls. Mr John V. Lcete (general maanger of the Tivoli, Sydney) and Mr Fred Aydon (manager of the Opera House, Melbourne). The purchase includes the leases of three vaudeville theatres (freehold properties) —the Tivoli, for 30 years; the Opera House, Melbourne, for 42 years; and the Adelaide Tivoli, for 10 years. The contract provides for the purchase of "Harry Rickards' vaudevilleand theatrical business, formerly carried on by bini, and now carried on by the trustees, in the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and anywhere <>l*e in the world, together with the whole of the plant, machinery, scenery, theatrical proparties, hooks, furniture. eU'ects. etc." '.l'lie purchaser also acquires all copyrights, rights of performance, and the benefit of contracts and engagements already entered into with visiting performers. Theee engagement,s extend over the next, two years. Mr Mclnlosh i* to take possession on the 14th [if this month, lie will continue the management of the Stadium. Ruslicnttcrs Hay. Mr Mcintosh state* that (here will be very few changes when the new boan! is appointed to carry on the theatres. In addition to the permanent, variety entertainments in Sydney. Melbourne. and Adelaide, there arc contracts for periodical visits to iirisliaiie, I'ertli anil Kalgoorlie. and for tours of New /calami. The Tivoli Hotel, adjoining the Sydney theatre, is included in lie' property. It ie the intention of Mrs TJiekards to leave for England when the hu.-ine-s has been handed over to Mr Mcintosh.—Referee.