PICTURES FOR PALMERSTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21979, 14 June 1933, Page 4

PICTURES FOR PALMERSTON

WHAT THE MAYOR THINKS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION (From Our Own Correspondent.) PALMERSTON, June 13. At the last monthly meeting of the Palmerston Borough Council a discussion took place on the quality of the motion pictures shown in the Municipal Theatre, and on the prices charged -for admission. The Mayor (Mr W. B. Galloway), who took exception both to the standard of entertainment offered in a certain film and to the price charged at the door, addressed the following minute to the chairman of the Picture Committee:— “ I attended the Municipal Pictures on Saturday, June 3, and if what I saw and partly heard is a sample of the films exhibited, I am not surprised "that our patrons are very dissatisfied. In my opinion, steps should be taken by the committee to cancel immediately the present supplv, and obtain attractive British films.' The charge for admission is excessive, and I consider that it should be reduced to Is.” The chairman of the Pictures Committee replied as follows: —“After carefully considering the contents of the Mayor’s minute, we cannot come to any other conclusion than to consider it as a vote of censure on the committee. To form an opinion on one particular programme that does not suit the individual taste is not, in our opinion, expressing the views of the majority of the audience. If we were making a practice of buying second or third-class pictures, we you Id consider the complaint warranted, but as we have not shown any programme that has not been exhibited in the main centres, we can only conclude that the complaint has been made without a knowledge of the material on which we must work. As we are showing programmes from four film companies this year, as against one company in previous years, we consider that in regard to the selection of performers we are catering for the public more favourably than most country towns. It is clearly shown that his Worship is not familiar with the purchasing of programmes, as once a contract is signed there is no chance of cancelling it. In reference to the charge of admission. this matter was considered some time ago, ami we do not consider that it would be in the interests of the enterprise. As our prices compare very favourably with a large majority of the towns in New Zealand, we do not consider the charges excessive. In conclusion, we can only hope that in future hisj Worship will make full inquiries before making such statements, thus gaining the confidence of his committees, which is essential for the harmony and good working of the council.” In a discussion which followed, the 'general opinion was that the Picture Committee -was doing the best possible and that the prices for admission were not excessive. The committee could not see screenings before it purchased films. In addition, the takings were better this year than last year, the profits for the past month having been £8 7s Id.