TOWN HALL LEASE.

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1931, Page 7

TOWN HALL LEASE.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Haying noticed that the Whangarei Pictures, Ltd., has gone into voluntary liquidation, why has there been no mention in the proceedings of the Borough Council as to the position of the Town Hall lease? When the company which is now in liquidation, was formed, it was stated to have acquired the lease which was granted by the Borough Council to the then lessees. During the past nine months the rents are reported to have gone considerably in arrears, and fuat at the present time a considerable amount of rent is due to the council. As the lease provides for increased payment in default of payment of rent when due, will the council disclose to the' ratepayers why no action has been taken to insist on payments of the moneys due to it, or to secure other tenants, who would, no doubt, be in a position to pay the rent as it fails due? I am, etc.,

RATEPAYER.

(The lessees of the Town Hall are the Fuller-Hayward Theatre Corporation, Ltd., and Mrs M. Mason. The Whangarei Pictures, Ltd., now in liquidation, had no interest in the lease, although the rent was paid by it. , When the Whangarei Pictures, Ltd., got into difficulties the rent became in arrears, and the lessees asked for a little time in which to pay. The Town Clerk informs us that the council was quite prepared to assist its tenants over a difficult period, and does not anticipate any loss, as so far the promised payments have been met and there is every reason to believe that on the date arranged, July 12th, the whole of the arrears will be wiped out. —Ed., 11 Northern Advocate. *’)