By Order-in-Council

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6838, 20 April 1932, Page 6

By Order-in-Council

(To the Editor.) Kir,—l have read several letters which have recently appeared in the local press, re the rather unusual proceedings of the Minister of Industries and Commerce, who, by Ordcr-in-Coun-cil, has stopped tho erection of any picture theatre unless a permit is first applied for and issued by the Government. The Minister, in giving reasons for this progressive method of helping the unemployed in their trouble, is reported to have made tho following statement: —

“Certain theatre 'combines’ were extending their operations by unfair methods, and is they were allowed to continue there would be few, if any, independent theatres left. Ono of their methods was to approach an independent theatre and, under threat of increasing competition by tho erection of another theatre, demand 50 per cent, of the profits, without putting one penny into the business."

I put it to tho Minister that this, if true, savours of blackmail and as this crime can be dealt with by the law courts, why does not the Crown set tho law in motion in order that these alleged monsters may be put away? But apparently, this could not be done so conveniently as the making of an Order-in-Council.

Tho Minister then goes on to state: — “If tho independent theatre did not fall into line they also threatened to withhold films which they themselves would rent in tho ordinary course ot events. Should both these tactics fail, tho 'combines’ would then build a new theatre, in spite of tho fact that the locality is already adequately served.” Now, sir, no person should know better than the lion. Mr. Masters that this is not correct, as no firm of exhibitors have control of the film market in New Zealand and therefore are not in a position to do as the Minister suggests.—l am, etc., ■ ' “FAIR PLAY.” Palmerston North, April 19, 1932.