CHAIN CINEMA OWNERS REFUTE CHARGES MADE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22668, 19 June 1948, Page 6

CHAIN CINEMA OWNERS REFUTE CHARGES MADE

CP A.) WELLINGTON. June 19. It was recognised by all section? of the motion picture industry that first release operations were necessary to establish box office value for films in suburban and provincial situations. This was stated by R, J. Kerridge, managing director of Kerridge-Odeon Theatres, in a statement presented on his behalf at the sitting of the Parliamentary committee inquiring into the industry. The statement, part of which was submitted on Thursday, was read by T. S. Townsend, general manager of Kerridge-Odeon. Fie said it was quite wrong to suggest that first release screenings "squeeze most of the box office value out of a first release film." Pre-release in provincial or suburban situations had been tried and had proved quite unsuccessful, Townsend said. I engthy Cross Examination Most of yesterday's sitting was occupied with the cross-examination of Townsend by counsel and representatives of interested parties. At the end of the day's proceedings the inquiry was adjourned sine die, but in the meantime witnesses s ill to be heard are to submit written statements to the committee for consideration. The hearing of evidence from Townsend on confidential financial aspects of the Kerridge-Odeon organisation was taken in camera Townsend said the conduct of renting organisations in New Zealand was above reproach. They conducted their business on a very high ethical standard. Their disposition to independents was as conscientious as their disposition to circuit operators.

Reference had been made at the inquiry to a "K.O.G. (“keep off the grass") agreement. He said no such agreement was in existence, although lie understood some years ago such an agreement did exist. No agreement existed today between Amalgamated Theatres and Kerridge-Odeon. Understanding Over Supplies

There was, however, an understanding that certain supplies were available to each and neither party competed with the other.

A_ statement by J. Fleming (representing the Theatrical and Places of Amusement Employees’ Union) that the Kerridge-Odeon group was now busily engaged acquiring additional theatres in New Zealand was stated by Townsend to be incorrect.

He added that since 1934 the companies that were controlled bv Ker-ridge-Odeon had surrendered substantially tlie same number of interests as had been acquired. A statement that employees had been adversely affected in their livelihood and working conditions wag groundless, as (he conditions of theatre employees were more advantageous than at any stage in the history of the inndustry.

INDEPENDENT CINEMAS SEEK PROTECTION

(PA.) WELLINGTON. June 18. The case for the necessity for adequate protection of independent film exhibitors was submitted to the Parliamentary film- inquiry this morning by C. E. Carleton, a representative of the independent section of the exhibitors of New Zealand on the Film Industry Board and an executive member of the New Zealand* Motion Picture Ex hibitors’ Association.

Carleton said exhibitor monopolies were inherent in the industry and some consideration should be given to their limitation. Regulations should be made to stop major and independent exhibitors from competing for a new license in a situation which was at present held by one or the other in a closed town. New licenses and transfers of exist ing ones should be subject to close scrutiny to ensure that the rights and liveli hood of independent exhibitors -were strongly protected. Complete control of New Zealand picture theatres in the hands of New Zealand and British nationals was strongly recommended by Carleton. He added that restrictive licensing should continue and licenses should be controlled by the proposed licensing tribunal.

Independent exhibitors generally believed that the supply of films to them was reasonably good but suggested that “road show" and “super duper" attractions should be increased in number.

Among the witness’ other submissions were suggestions that horror films should be eliminated ns they were not thought to be in the best public interest and that film production in New Zea land should be encouraged, particularly in short subject films. Discussing film hiring, Carleton said the practice had grown up for the film distributors to exclude certain pictures from a service contract and to demand greatly increased hire for them, even up to three times the previous normal top hiring rates. Where increased rates were thought justifiable a case should be stated to the Price Tribunal, witness submitted.