TAKINGS WELL DOWN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 122, 19 November 1937, Page 11

TAKINGS WELL DOWN

EFFECT OF EPIDEMIC

SHOW ASSOCIATION'S YEAR

I "It was expected that the upward trend in receipts experienced these last three years would have been continued, and for the first three days of the show the gate takings increased approximately 75 per cent, over me corresponding days last year," states the annual report of the Wellington Show Association. "After the third day, however, the authorities stopped, all children under sixteen years of age entering the building on account of the infantile paralysis epidemic. This resulted in 14,000 less children between the ages of 8 and 16 paying for admission this year as compared with 1936. Allowing an equal number under 8 years, together with 7000 who came, in school parties, a total of 35,000-were prevented from attending the show in comparison with the previous'year. Making even a modest allowance cf one adult to every two children who were prevented from attending, it is estimated that the gate, suffered by approximately £1200. through the epidemic. This loss of attendance reflected itself in every department of the show, especially in the' percentages from the amusement space and sideshows. The loss from.this source is difficult to calculate, but must have meant quite a large sum. Conversely the labour cost due to higher wages and shorter hours increased by £83 and electric light services by £59, which was also due to higher .wages."

COMPARATIVE FIGURES. The following comparative figures are given in the report:— '

"Many firms are already preparing for the approaching Centenary Exhibition, which will seriously affect that part of the show's activities after 1938,!' continues the report. "Efforts are already being made to adapt the activities of the association to the new circumstances.

"Besides the usual lettings for storage the building has.been in use for. badminton, bowling, skating, basketball, and other games during the season.. The prospects of revenue from these sources are better than at any previous period, due to the growing popularity of the building and grounds.". . -

The balance-sheet shows assets of £75,314. On the liability side £55;464 Is 8d for paid debentures and £10,200 Is Bd'for interest on debentures..

Income. Expenditure. I Sfear. ' £ - £ 1928 .. 11,519 4898 1929 : .. 11,882 ' 5872 [930 .. 11,104 5,424 ;931 ■ .. 7,392 3427 [932 .. 5,183 3052 [933- .. 3,733 , i !3090 1934 .. 14,325 3104 1935 .. 4,696 3063 [936 .. 5,353 3114 L937 .. 4,483 3327 Balance. £ 6621 6010 5630 3965 2131 643 1221 1633 2239 1255