ADMISSION PRICES TO THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24483, 5 February 1945, Page 2

ADMISSION PRICES TO THEATRES

TRIBUNAL’S ANNOUNCEMENT Admission prices to picture theatres in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and a minimum number of seats in the different price groups have been authorised by the Price Tribunal, following a conference recently with representatives of the various theatre companies. The new authorisations will later be extended to cover theatres in the smaller cities and towns. Except in special instances, where the Price Tribunal has authorised an increase, admission charges (by regulation) at the present time are the same as in 1939. However, the “concertina” system of reducing the number of qheaper seats for an especially attractive programme is no longer permissible. Some theatres in the four main centres have decided upon uniform seat allocation for all sessions. Others, with the authority of the Price Tribunal, at evening sessions on Saturdays and on specified public holidays have available a larger number (but no more than were available in 1939) of more expensive seats than during the week, and' a corresponding smaller number for matinees.

Plans, bearing the approval of the Price Tribunal, and setting out clearly the various price groups and appropriate admission charges must be clearly displayed in the foyer of each city theatre. Where there is variation in seat allocation between sessions approved plans for each session must be shown.

Some city theatres, in accordance with their past policy, are permitted to charge 6d for reservation of Is and Is 6d seats if the reservation? are made before the start of any programme. Reservation charges are included in the prices of seats ranging from 2s 3d upwards.