Twenty Years As Usher

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31656, 17 April 1968, Page 2

Twenty Years As Usher

When husbands take on a second job in the evenings many a wife resigns herself to sitting alone at home, but not Mrs D. V. Matson. For 20 yean she has spent five nights a week and Saturday afternoons ushering at the St Albans Century Theatre, which her husband began managing 28 yean ago. Soon to be replaced by a supermarket, the theatre became a family affair for the Matsons. As their two daughters and son grew up they earned their pocket money by helping there. “I would never have seen anything of my husband if I hadn’t worked at the theatre with him,” said Mrs Matson when asked why she decided to take on extra work after a busy day with three children. She would have Mr Matron's meal on the table when he came home from work at 5.15 p.m. Afterwards he would read the paper, have a nap, and be oft to the theatre by 7 p.m. “I’m sorry the theatre Is closing because he has become quite attached to it,” she said. LIKES WORK Mrs Matson has also developed an attachment to her work. Although she decided three years ago that she hsd done her share and now only

takes turn relieving, she has made many friends through the years. “There was always a nice crowd, and so many families. We have watched children growing up and bringing their kiddles in. Some we still keep in touch with,” she said.

Sitting in the box office was not to Mrs Matson’s liking—she much preferred to usher and meet the patrons. She Ailed the stalls on her own at one stage and on busy nights “had to just fly." She can remember the time when a night out at the cinema was really exciting When her husband first took over the Century, business was slack. It built up steadily to become the most popular suburban theatre in Christchurch, with patrons who had permanent Saturday night bookings and saw themselves to their seats. “Some always came once a week, others twice. Now it makes me sad to go and see ro many seats empty,” Mrs Matson said. Since television .earne to Christchurch audiences have gradually declined. The busy nights, with their air of anticipation which Mrs Matson enjoyed, are a thing of the past. “Well, that's just the march of time, and progress. But I’m certainly looking forward to having my husband home every evening and we have some time to ourselves,” she said.