ARMY ENTERTAINERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 82, 7 April 1943, Page 4

ARMY ENTERTAINERS

PAID AND VOLUNTARY

"Entertainers under the army education scheme are to be paid fees, but the members of concert parties who have been working voluntarily since the war began are expected to carry on without remuneration," said Mr. Norman Heath, chairman of the entertainment subcommittee, at the meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee last night. "Voluntary entertainers have given 1000 concerts in the last three and a half years," Mr. Heath added. "We will give 41 concerts in various camps this month, but if we are to be penalised by the new scheme we shall have to disband when these concerts are concluded." Mr. Heath said he understood that £30,000 had been granted by the National Broadcasting Service for entertainment in camps, and that IYA was to organise two or three concert parties. The Mayor. Mr. Allum, who presided in the absence of Mr. G. W. Hutchison, sad that such a situation would be impossible. "These voluntary entertainers have done wonderful work, at great sacrifice to themselves," he said. "Many of them are professionals giving their services voluntarily, while others work during the day and give much time travelling to distant camps several times a week." It was decided that the Mayor and Mr. Heath should see the army authorities with a view to co-ordi-nating the efforts.