MUSIC-HALL ARTISTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 27, 1 February 1907, Page 7

MUSIC-HALL ARTISTS.

PROSPECT OF A GENERAL STRIKE. [FRES9 ASSOCIATION.} LONDON, 31st January. Tho proprietors of music-halls ,in London are pledged to render each other mutual assistance during the strike of performers, *j j TheK is a prospect of a general strike of music-hall artists, oxtending throughout the United Kingdom. Apropos the musical hall strike, 500 enthusiastic music-hail artUtea, "itar»" of higher and lesser degrees, decided, at a recent mass meeting in London, to continue in their fight against trusts, syndicates, and certain London managers in particular. The Variety Artistes' Federation called the meeting, and mat' tera relating to the dispute at the Empress and\ Hippodrome Halls at Brixton were discussed in detail. Thirty peT cent, of the large audience wa# composed of gentler members of the profession. Resplendent in brilliant robes and the latest things in "matinee" hate, they wore the most enthusiastic and demonstrative section. The glamour surrounding Entertainers behind the footlights was somewhat *udely shattered by .the remark that statements concerning big galarias on the stage wore merely "fairy tajee." "Salaries are not so big as people believe ; the great music hall trusts do not pay large wages," said one speaker. Two pounds per week fpT fiix night performances, two matinees, and even six, "if required," was quite an, ordinary musichall artiste's salary. Strenuous objection to music-hall trusts and syndicates was prominent. "The time has come when we are not going to be dominated by trusts," declared an official, amidst heated enthusiasm. Music-hall artistes had brains— they must bo recognised as such. Th© "two-houses-a-night" system was strongly condemned; this was of no benefit to the artistes from the poinit of vic-w of reputation. la these conditions the insufficient time allowed for their "(turns" was said to be scandalous. Uncomplimentary remarks were made concerning music-hall managers generally, none of whom could, it was said, bo Tegarded as friends of the performers.