"THE SURPRISE PACKET”

Taranaki Daily News, 17 June 1921, Page 7

"THE SURPRISE PACKET”

HARD LUCK; UPS ’AND DOWNS OF THEATRICAL MFE. A meeting of creditors in the estate of , W T . Lints, theatrical producer, was held at Wanganui on Tuesday. Tire bankrupt’s written statement was as follows:-r- -■• • “About last October I decided after my successful ventures in running carnivals to launch out on my own account and conduct a company on tour. 1 went to Sydney and arranged rights for musical numbers, and on my return got a number of artists to join, my company. I ; commenced to rehearse “The Surprise Packet/’ of 24 performers, at the beginning?;of this year at Wellington, and nine days from the opening of the tour I received word from J. C. Williamson, Ltd., that I could not have the Christchurch Theatre for the opening dates, and therefore had to rebook another tour, opening at Wanganui for three nights to very poor houses. Masterton showed an improvement, even in wet weather. The company received encouraging reports in both towns and opened at Christchurch following a 12 nights season of the “Irene” Company. Adverse Press reports dammed the season to such an extent that I called a meeting of performers, who all decided to cancel their contracts. The company then disbanded. I organised a smaller company, “The London Gaiety Players,” engaged nine of the old company, and commenced at Levin. The company did fair business for four weeks, and opened at Hastings, when owing to illness in the company I was fortunate to be able to stage the production at all. I had to engage local talent at Hastings and Napier, which brought business to zero after the first night, and absolutely crippled the company, which disbanded in Wellington a fortnight later. After the experience with “Our Reveille” production, I was convinced that a company between J. C. Williamson panto, and “The Dandies”--* class of entertainment would have a good run, but although the majority of my performers were professionals I Um now satisfied that my greatest mistake was made in advertising them as New Zealanders. That combined with too many highly paid artists in the company, and the production being too refined, caused me losses, and I certainly should have known better and not allowed my better tastes to predominate over my showmanship, which was proved in the small company by introducing a lot of low comedy. These facts and the bad times in general I account for my failure.”

A further statement showed that £975 was owing to unsecured creditors, and £lO2O to secured creditors. The deficiency over assets was set down as £270 15s 3d. The principal item owing was £465, salaries and wages. The D.0.A.; What was your position before you started?—l had a property ,at White Street, Wanganui East, worth about £9OO. With a forced sale I only realised £4OO on it.

Did you have any other assets?— I had about £lOOO before I went to .Sydney about eight months ago to fix up about my rights. I then started to organise my company, with the result as shown in my statement. Finally X had to sell a set of scenery for £4O to get the company home.

Did you bank your money?—We didn’t get a chance to bank any. It was paid out for expenses. Bankrupt went on to say that he still had a certain amount of scenery stored at Wellington. He was not sure as to the best way to realise on it. It would bo a breach of professional etiquette for anyone to put on any number he originated.

Hau? you any offer to make to your creditors?—Well, 1 don’t know. If I had been left alone and had not been pushed 1 believe that I could have pulled out in twelve months with the engagements I have. I have a couple of engagements to go to but I can’t go to them without my gear. It would be better if you made an offer and kept your gear to carry on your business ?—I consider that is the only thing to do. I want to pay 20s in. the £. That is the only thing that counts. The creditors would be better off if they gave me time to pay. If they sold me up now they would not get value. In twelve of fifteen months 1 could pay 20s in the £. I have practically fixed up four big engagements but I must have my gear. It would cost me £ 150 to buy again. If it were sold now you would be lucky if it brought £6O

A creditor: What do you estimate you can earn a week?—l dqif’t know. I want to know what the effect of this '■will be., being an undischarged bankrupt. If it does not affect me I can earn £2O or £25 a week. The D.G.A.: How much would it take you to live on? —About £5 a week. That would be cutting it very fine. In most cases I get my hotel expenses. I have an engagement at Hamilton, where on a percentage basis I could earn £25 a week, but now 1 will have to go on a certainty.

You cannot expect the creditors to let you retain your house unless they are secured?—l could clear that amount in two engagements. Mr. W. M. Luxford said that it appeared that the bankrupt was’ in an unfortunate position brought about by his profession, which had a lot of ups and downs. He might do particularly well one year, yet fail the next. He considered if the bankrupt had time he would come out all right. In view of the whole position I think that the creditors have nothing to gain by selling him up, and endeavoring to realise on the little assets he has. I strongly urge the creditors to take his word and let- him go along in his own way so that in fifteen months he might pay 15s in the £.

Mr. North: One of the secured creditors said he would not think of pushing the bankrupt. Mr. Luxford moved that the creditors take no action to realise on bankrupt’s property or theatrical Assets, Jiat bankrupt should from time to time pay to the D.O.A. such moneys as he is able to do so, the D.O.A. to- pay a dividend when there is sufficient/money in hand, and to have discretion to call a further meeting if necessary. The motion was carried unanimously. Bankrupt: I want to get out of jt as soon as I can.