HIRE OF FILMS BILL

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 9 November 1933, Page 8

HIRE OF FILMS BILL

i MEASURE BEFORE THE HOUSE. FIXED CHARGE COMPLAINTS. (By Telegraph—Fress Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 8-. Explaining the Hire of Films Bill in the House of Representatives to-day Mr J. A Lee (Lab., Grev Lynn), sponsor of the measure, which was read a first time, said there was greax dissatisfaction among proprietors of various .suburban picture bouses because although they might have a film fourth or fifth hand, they were compelled under the terms of a contract with an American agency, to fix a minimum admission charge of one shilling. Mi Lee pointed out that the income of the average theatregoer had been eioat.lv reduced and an overwhelming majority of suburban proprietors desired to reduce the charges- of adnns si on. In .suburban and country theatres in the United States, Mr Lee said, the minimum fee was as low as ten cents. He contended the Government should see that amusement was available to the people at a reasonable charge. It should allow the committee of exhibitors to discriminate between charges at various theatres. His 811 sought to take away the dictatorial powers of outside interests. Mr A. S. Richards (Lab.. Roskill! supported the Bill. Ho said it was not too much to ask that an occasional visit to a picture, theatre should be brought within the means of all work ers’ families. ~ ' Mr W. E. Parry (Lab., Auckland Central) said America was dictating the prices which should be charged for admission to picture theatres in the Dominion, and the Government sho»]d not stand for that. The leader of the Opposition (Mr M ,t Savage) said the Government could not afford to overlook the prineip'M Bill contained. Mr A. J. Stall worthy (Co., FlileiU said the great mass of people should hare their entertainment protected.