SLUMP FELT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 16, 20 January 1933, Page 5

SLUMP FELT.

PICTURE THEATRES. OVER ONE HUNDRED CLOSED. SMALLER TOWNS AFFECTED. Special reference to the clump as it is being felt -by the picture theatres is made in the annual report 6f the New Zealand Motion Picture Exhibitors', Association. "During the period un<ler review the process of adjustment to the new low economic levels lias steadily proceeded," states thb report. "Decreased earning and spending power of the masses means decreased revenue to the picture theatres, and few businesses, if any, have suffered from the depression to the extent ours has. No fewer than 104 picture shows have gone out of business within the last two years and a half; of /these, 9(i were in the smaller towns. In the year just ended, nine closed down as compared with 33 the previous year, this seeming to Indicate that the point of stabilisation has nearly been reached. During this latter period there have been six new shows started, thus leaving a net decrease of 98 theatres in the two years and a half. "The total number of picture theatres at present showing In New Zealand is 316, and if to these are added 18 circuits comprising 110 small towns showing pictures regularly at intervals varyino, from once per week to once per month, there are 420 theatres and halls where pictures are screened regularly on a commercial basis. In addition, there are *14 institutes such as schools, sanatoriums, etc., where, pictures are shown regularly, making a grand total 0f.440 places where pictures are regularly screened,"