LESS MONEY FOR THEATRES.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 281, 25 November 1921, Page 4

LESS MONEY FOR THEATRES.

A LEAN YEAR EXPERIENCED. (Bj- TL'legraph—Own Correspumt'enit.) CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday. Picture and other theatres are passing through a lean year at present, to judge 'by the evidence given in the Arbitration Court to-day by employers in regard to a claim by employees for a new award. Mr. Oscar Anderson, representing the Queen's Theatre, said that the wagea claims of employees would have a great effect on expenses. During the last six months there had been a serious falling off in takings, and expenditure was increasing. The position would be complicated by the proposed further tax on films and on amusements. The takings were showing a more rapid decrease from month to month, and expenditure had a tendency to increase, and hia theatre was now economising rigidly. The wage claime of the union, if granted, would mean a reduction in the staff. In regard to the proposed increased amusement tax, witness said the cost of amusements would be absolutely prohibitive to the general public, who would not attend theatres. He considered the theatre might have to pay the tax itself, instead of passing it on to the public. The cost of hiring films had decreased since the making of the last award, but all other expenses had increased.

The takings in vaudeville theatres have dropped considerably during the laet year, said the manager of the Opera House. He had compared the expenses and receipts in the past two years, and found expenses had increased enormously, while the takings had fallen off very much. If increased wages ' were granted as asked for by the union he must reduce his staff. His front of the house expenses would be increased 50 per cent otherwise.