CITY ORCHESTRA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 269, 13 November 1935, Page 5

CITY ORCHESTRA.

SUBSIDY SCHEME.

THEATRE ENGAGEMENT.

J TO ASSIST UNEMPLOYED. A new plan developed by the Unemployment Board for the assistance of unemployed musicians throughout Xew Zealand will have effect in the creation of cinema theatre orchestras. The board lias decided to subsidise the wages of theatre players and thus provide them with permanent employment. The plan lias been taken up by Messrs. J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and it is stated that an orchestra will Ibe engaged at an -Auckland theatre, commencing on Friday week. Other cities have also given support to the scheme. One theatre in Wellington has already engaged an orchestra, and the organising of a band is being undertaken in Christchurch. 'Mr. A. E. Ansell, manager of the Regent Theatre, stated to-day that the orchestra would be under the conductorship of Mr. Trevor Eady, and would have a membership of IS players. As far as possible the theatre would take advantage of the board's scheme. To secure the best possible available talent, the theatre would pay full-time wages, on its own initiative, to a number of those engaged. In all, over GO applications have been received for appointments, indicating the number of musicians requiring work in the city. The scheme was an excellent one, said Mr. Ansell. It. would do much to assist those who, owing to unfortunate circumstances, had been unable to obtain engagements during the past few years. The plan would be tried out in one" theatre in each of the four main centres, and it was understood that if it proved successful the Unemployment Board would extend the scheme to the provincial towns. Under the plan the musicians have to be guaranteed work for at least a year. At the inception of the scheme they will be required at the theatre for two hours each night, although, of course, they will not be playing during the whole of that period. They will be paid £2 a week, of which the Government* will find 30/. Those employed under the scheme will be expected to provide their own evening dress.