Pahiatua Residents Dissatisfied

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 2

Pahiatua Residents Dissatisfied

THEATRE ARRANGEMENTS A large and representative gathering of Pahiatua residents was present at- a meeting convened by the Pahiatua Progressive Association on Tuesday evening, over which Mr. W. T. Brown presided. The meeting, he explained, was called -to consider ways and means oJ. providing a theatre in keeping with a progressive town such as Pahiatua. If the tenders were canned out to the likes of the Licensing Committee, the people of Pahiatua would have to put up with the renovated theatre for the next ten years or so. lie understood that the stage was to be reduced to live feet, a point wirch would prevent the holding of plays and concerts such as were held by, the Women’s -institute. The speaker pointed out that the company owning the present theatre had met the Borough Council, who had agreed to their, terms to build a new theatre, but apparently the negotiations had fallen through and the calling of tenders for the renovation of the theatre was the alternative.

After much discussion, the chairman pointed out that the meeting was called to get the people behind a request to urge the Borough Council to apply for a license when the license expired. If it was proved that the company was not giving the service and that someone else was willing to do it, it might influence the licensing authority to make inquiries.

The motion was then put and carried unanimously.

Mr. Hodd deprecated putting obstacles in the way of progress, holding that the facilities that had been offered to Pahiatua were a disgrace. The speaker pointed out that New Zealand ’.theatres were not the only company in New Zealand and held they should ask the licensing authority to give Pahiatua what it deserved —a better then.re, If they got a license that could be lifted, could not it be offered to another firm if the occasion arose. The speaker then moved that, in the event of au unsatisfactory reply from Mr. Mason, the Licensing Authority be approachcv askiug for an additional license for Pahiatua.

Mr. Vincent seconded the motion, expressing the opinion that if he had been a stranger in the town he would have thought the meeting was full of shareholders who were present to protect the interests of New Zealand Theatres, Ltd, Mr. D. Q.. i*. Howdeu thought the matter should be carried out by means of a deputation. Mr. Carthew agreed on the necessity j for a now theatre and pointed out that under the license conditions no second I license could bo grunted where there was under 4000 population. He also mentioned that the granting of a second license would iuoi.tu that they would have to show pictures at once—they could not sit on a license. Mr. Carthew also pointed out that the council could not run in opposition to the motion picture interests. It had been done before with drastic results and it was the people who had to pay. In reply to Mr. Bisset, the Chairman said the Progressive Association’s plan was very much the same as the proposals put forward that night. Mr. \ iuceut suggested that a demand should be made to the Borough Council to send a deputation to the Minister to consider the question, same representing the town and country, the speaker saying they could make a demand of the council because an election was coming off soon. (Laughter.) Mr. L. D. Lovelock supported the statement made by Mr. Carthew and mentioned that the second motion was going on the right lines, but said it

should embody seeking a license, not a second license.

Messrs. Hodd and Vincent agreed to the amending suggestions for the matter to be carried out by the Borough Council (embodying a deputation of town and country interests) and substituting “the license” for the words “additional license.” This motion was also carried without dissent.