Upper Hutt Without Picture Theatre

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31237, 8 December 1966, Page 11

Upper Hutt Without Picture Theatre

"The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, Dec. 7.

Upper Hutt is without a picture theatre. The screening of “Father Came, Too” at the Majestic Theatre recently brought to an end a period of about 34 years of screening since the Majestic was con-, verted from a stable in 1932 during the boom of the innovation—talkies.

Until the Mayfair was closed about three years ago, the borough of Upper Hutt had two picture theatres. The closing of the Majestic was a sad day for the projectionist, 58-year-old Mr A. Neighbours, who had been a projectionist for 36 years, and before that was an assistant projectionist. Mr Neighbours screened the first sound film shown in Upper Hutt, in 1932.

He had his introduction to the work as an assistant to a Mr K. McCurdy, who ran the

Cosy Theatre, which was later sold and renamed the Mayfair.

For Mr Neighbours it will mean a big break in a very full life. Apart from working most nights of every week for 38 years he has also worked during the day. Up until six years ago he was driving a timber truck for 28 years working at the Campbell sawmill in the Akatarawas. For the last six years he has been employed by the New Zealand Post Office.

Mr Neighbours has screened more than 100,000,000 feet of film.