AMUSEMENTS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 142, 18 June 1913, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

NEW PICTURE ENTERPRISE.

STAR PICTURES

The venture of Messrs Townshend and Grombie in entering the lists as pictorial entrepreneurs should certainly receive a large public patronage for many reasons. They intend to present picture programmes.regularly in the Town Hall, and as every mechanical arrangement is modern, and a contract lias been entered into for the supply of nothing but first-class films, they hope that their entertainments will merit their designation—Star Pictures. The initial programme will be screened in the Town Hall to-night. The cinematograph itself and the other mechanical necessities have everything to recommend them. The cinematograph is a 1913 model of tihe "Mason" machine, with all the latest appliances, and is entirely of English manufacture. One special feature about it is that the danger of fire is completely obviated. Two safety cutters preclude the possibility of the film being burned during the process of projection; and even were this to take place, the films would not cause danger, as they are placed in patent fire proof boxes. The danger of an outbreak of fire is further minimised by other safety appliances, and in this respect tho machine is a notable improvement on many in use to-day. The machine, which is chain-driven, is fitted on a, patent stand, has patent sliding appliances, and it is claimed that it has reached such a degree of mechanical perfection that the annoying "flicker" will be entirely absent. This in itself is an especial recommendation. The lighting is done by patent electric arcs, and a stereoscope device is affixed to the machine for the projection of still pictures. The other essentials to the machine are of the most modern and approved pai>terns.

By catering for their patrons in a first-class manner the proprietors hope to popularise the Town Hall as a rendezvous for picture-lovers, and in the event of the public according them their support, to endeavor to introduce the latest picture novelties.