NEW CONTROL.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19918, 3 May 1930, Page 18

NEW CONTROL.

FULLER-HAYWARD COMPANY.

INTEREST ACQUIRED BY FULLERS. [tuth rBEBB Special Service.] WELLINGTON, May 2.

Sir Benjamin Puller to-day said the purpose of his flying visit to Now Zealand was at the urgent request of Mr John Fuller, his brother, who hod been somo weeks here preparing the ground for the Puller firm taking over complete control of all Fuller-Hayward theatre# in Now Zealand. "This has now been done," he added. John Puller and Sons now have the St. James Theatre in Auckland, His Majesty's (Which will be renamed St. James) in Wellington, the Opcta House in Christchurch, and the Princess Theatre in Du&odin, and these two last-named may in time also be called St. James "The reorganisation 6f our business just completed," Sir Benjamin continued, "will be of substantial benefit to Now Zealand, because all that wo get for Australia will be for New Zealand as well. We have about 60 theatres in Now Zealand and about 30 in Australia. Approximately £4,000,000 is invested in our business, and while I consider that in most places in New Zealand the public is well catered for, yet it is our intention to improve where possible the already well-established house of entertainment."

With regard to the change in control and direction above referred to, Sir Benjamin flftid that Mr John Puller and himself would be more or leaa resident in Wellington. The head office of the company would be transferred from Auckland to Wellington. Mr Walter Fuller, of Wellington, retains his scat on tho Board of Directors, and Mr Henry Hay ward (Auckland) is now vice-chairman. "Mr 0. Ollivier, of Christchurch, I am very glad to say," said Sir Benjamin, "will act in our place during the absence from New Zealand of either myself or Mr John Fuller, and his wide business exporieneo should be of inestimable benefit to the company. "At any time we may use our theatres for other than talkie entertainments. We may, if it it thought practicable business to do so, bring out grand opera companies or some other special forms of entertainment. We have never attempted to create a monopoly and never will, but have kept, and will keop, tho flag of Independence flying." Sir Benjamin was asked if the present hard times in Australia were being reflected in entertainment receipts, and in reply he saids "Xes, where prices of admission are high, but I think this will be only temporary. No very marked differences have yet been shown in the roturns from most theatres. I think the depression is not nearly so serious as it appears to us in New Zealand. I think it will pass and business all round greatly improve before the end of this year. Tho Government has got the situation well in hand, and lam able to speak with confidence from tho standpoint of one having considerable financial interests in both New Zealand and Australia."