PERFORMING RIGHTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 11

PERFORMING RIGHTS

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY QUESTION OF FEES CHARGED '/ (Received September 23, 5.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 23 ' Mr. Justice Owen to-day opened the Royal Commission set up to inquire into the question of fees paid for performing rights. He said the questions raised might well be of Imperial and international importance and not merely of Australian importance. Continuing His Honor said he had been commissioned to inquire into and report upon questions affecting the claims, rights and interests of those interested in the ownership of copyright works and the Tights, claims and interests of those performing such works. The for determination were: What corporations, companies and associations were interested in the newer forms of entertainment, such as broadcasting, cinema exhibitions and gramophone records, and •tvhat rights the public possess. Possibly steamship owners and the proprietors of music halls would need to be represented before the Commission.

Mr. J. iH. Keating, who is appearing for the Commonwealth Attorney-General to assist the Commission, mentioned in the course of his address that considerable complaint had been made to the Government that the charges of the Performing Rights Association had been unreasonably high. There was an erroneous idea that an author should not have any profit from his work ouce it came under public notice. The sitting was adjourned.