PRICE OF ADMISSION RAISED

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 158, 1 April 1937, Page 10

PRICE OF ADMISSION RAISED

Saturday Night Picture Shows at Auckland

Dominion Special Service. Auckland, March 31. .Minimum adult prices for Saturday evening programmes in Auckland and suburban picture theatres are to be raised from 1/- to 1/3, according to a decision of the Auckland branch of the New 7 Zealand Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association. In suburban theatres, where children have previously been admitted at half adult prices, the new minimum rate will be 9d. These changes will take effect from next Saturday. Higher wages and higher costs for films ami various services used by picture exhibitors are given as the reasons for the increased prices. As a result of the new award for employees, suburban theatres are finding that their wages bill has increased by an average of between £5 and £7 a week, and the manager of a city theatre said he was paying out to employees between £8 and £lO a week above the former amount. NO WELLINGTON ACTION YET No action bad yet been taken by the Wellington branch of tlie Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association, although similar steps would probably -be taken shortly, stated a prominent member ot the association when asked last night to comment on the Auckland decision. The raising' of prices for Saturday nights was really an alternative to a general rise throughout the week, he said. Running costs had increased considerably, and it was necessary to take some action. Some members desired a general rise, but the majority favoured an increase on Saturday nights and holidays only.