OPTIMISTIC VIEW

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 121, 18 November 1931, Page 8

OPTIMISTIC VIEW

AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

DEPRESSION LIFTING

A very, optimistic view in regard to conditions in Australia and Now Zealand is held by Mr. H. C. Thomas, formerly ftf Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., Sydney, who has been appointed manager in New Zealand for Warner Bros. First National Pictures, Ltd.'-.' Mr. Thomas, accompanied by his wife,' arrived at Wellington yesterday by the Maunganui from Sydney.

Speaking to a "Post" representative, Mr. Thomas said thatprospo'ets in Australia at the present time were exceedingly briglit. Conditions in general had undoubtedly improved, and taking all things into consideration it looked as if the country-had definitely turned the .corner. Jl notable feature was that the word ["depression" was very little used, whereas a few months ago it was on eveiybody's lips. Optimism was evident throughout the country, and ho felt sure'--people had justification for it. Country travellers had reported that business was better now than it had been for a considerable

time. Mr. Thomas, who is well acquainted with affairs ill New Zealand, said he did not think conditions, hero would ever bo as bail aa they wei'O in Australia. There', were plenty of levelheaded people' |ir the Dominion, and he thought that if they took an optimistic view, and continued to do so, the country would fcoon right itself. People were beginning to put their shoulders to tho wheel, and he thought that their efforts would lear fruit in tho .very near future.

Tho picture-going public, said Mr. 1 Thomas, was i a good ' financial barometer, and'people at the present timo seemed to lo spending more money on entertainment than they had done for tho last two'years. .That alone was an indication that things woro picking up. ; Speaking aboit tho picture trade in general, Mr. Tlomas said that tho prospects for 1922 were very bright. As times went on, lfowever, peoplo beeanio moro fastidious, and only tho best of attractions were capable of drawing large houses. Sophisticated drama was very popular, while comedies were acceptable anywiere and at any time.