NO FILM RENTING DONE

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1930, Page 7

NO FILM RENTING DONE

EXHIBITORS OBJECT TO CLAUSE. AMERICAN FILMS STILL IDLE. H J By Telegraph.--Press Association 4 Wellington, Last Night. Very little business has been done in film circles since the Acting-Prime Minister made a statement early last week that the dispute between the Government and distributors had come to an end. For a day or two after that announcement film agencies in Wellington awaited instructions from their head offices in Sydney as to recommencing business, but even when the essential word was given there was no rush of showmen desiring to book films which had been accumulating on the shelves of the renters in this country.' When this matter was inquired into it was found, that there was an obstacle in the form of a new clause which exhibitors signing new contracts were being asked to subscribe to, its nature, it is said, being such that exhibitors have hesitated to make contracts which are not wholly binding upon the renter. On the renters’ part this clause is claimed to be a safeguard against possible developments or adjustments in taxation as the result of the inquiry promised to the trade for March next. Members of the executive of the Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association met this morning to discuss matters in connection with the clause, and as a result negotiations are to be opened with the \

distributors with a view to having the proposed clause either wholly eliminated or modified.