THEATRE DATES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10239, 31 August 1909, Page 2

THEATRE DATES.

) (Per Press Association.) Invcreargill, August 30. The Southland Times, interviewing Mr Albert Goldio (theatrical agent), who arrived to-day, learns that for some time past there has been considerable trafficking; in theatre dates in New Zealand, which, it is said, has caused great vexation to the leading firms doing business ill this country. It is alleged that a certain manager has been operating in datps to such an extent as to inaso tours of New Zealand prohibitive to the parties interested unless they are willing to accede to his terms, which are either cash payment or a share in the proceeds of the tour. Prominent managements allege that they have had to pay large prices to this particular individual in order to secure tours in this country, and one well-known firm has openly declared its intention to abandon New Zealand altogether in the future. A. meeting of the Theatrical Managers' Association of Australasia was held last week to deal with the matter, there being present representatives of Mr J. C. Williams, Sir Rupert Clarke, Messrs Meynell and Gunn. William Anderson, Harry Uickards, .J. and N. Tait, West's Pictures, James Brenan, Hugh J. Ward, and George Marlow. The following resolution was unanimously carried—"That this Association discountenances the practice of booking dates in anticipation of selling them at a. premium; that the members of this association. pledge themselves to report any attempt at trafficking in dates 011 the part of any theatrical manager; that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all managers and theatre proprietors throughout Australasia." Mr Goldie adds that the practice referred to lias been generally reprobated in theatrical circles, and that it has come to such a pass as to seriously jeopardise legitimate theatrical enterprise in New Zealand.