HAMILTON THEATRES.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17874, 21 November 1929, Page 9

HAMILTON THEATRES.

THE COMBINE RUMOUR. FATE OF THE TOWN HALL. BOROUGH COUNCIL ANXIOUS. Fears that proposed lessees of the Town Hall may, after the lease has been signed, refuse to provide talkie pictures there, but retain the hall in order to exclude opposition were expressed at the meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council last evening. Cr. S. V. Tyler said he understood Williamsons Films, Ltd., had sent down architects and designers, and were making full investigations as to tbe suitability of the Town Hall for talkies. The council was endeavouring to arrange a lease with this firm. Had it been signed yet? * The Mayor (Mr J. R. Fow) explained that the lease had not been returned. ‘.‘l am glad that question has been raised,” said Gr. A. J. Denz, “ because from what I can gather there is a possibility of the local Arm and Williamsons collaborating, and of Williamsons taking the Town Hail to keep anybody else out.” He added that in his opinion there should he a clause in the agreement stipulating that the hall must be used. There had been two applicants for a lease of the hall, and if Williamsons were not going to sign .opportunity should be given the other man to take it. i

The town clerk (Mr W. L. Waddel) stated that there was no clause in the agreement covering the point raised by Cr. Denz. He took it that the council was making the arrangement with the idea of obtaining revenue, and was not considering the other question. Deoent Entertainment Wanted. “I am thinking not of revenue, nut of providing decent entertainment for the people of Hamilton," replied Gr. Denz.

Cr. F. H. CLapham: “They won’t do it for charity.”

Cr. Denz said he was not asking for charity. The council wanted no combine to come along, shut up the hall, and. keep others out. It should be made quite clear that the hall must be used.

Cr. J. E. Tidd said be was inclined to think that the suggestion of a combine was only a rumour. If Williamsons, Ltd., had been examining the hall they must mean business. He had understood the Arm bad always been sincere with its proposals. A condition in tlie lease, he added, was that if the Arm found tho hall unsuitable it could terminate the agreement. Cr. C. J. 1 W. Barton gave it as his opinion that \Villiamsons were working in good faith. r fhey were a reputable Arm had realised that justice was not being done to Hamilton as far as entertainment was concerned, and were anxious to remedy matters. Cr. Denz said he wished to assure councillors that he had not been speaking on behalf of any prospective tenderer. (Laughter.) His W'orship said the council would soon know what the Arm intended to do. Ho did not think a.clause such as suggested was necessary, as the possibility of a coalition seemed remote. “Council Rather Impatient.” Cr. Clapham said he understood Williamsons intended Aiming the best and latest talkies with a Western Electric machine. He thought councillors were rather impatient, and should rely on the good oAlces of the The town clerk remarked that the Arm’s architect had inspected the hall again on Tuesday, and had looked at the projection room. The Mayor said the council could write immediately and ask if the lease was going to be signed. Cr. Denz moved that a committee be appointed to Analise the matter, a motion which was subsequently withdrawn. , , Cr. Tyler said the proposed lessees must have a good deal of detail to consider before taking action, and it was out of place for the council to force their hand. 'Pile town clerk said there was no harm in giving the applicants another week’s grace. They had done all that could reasonably be expected. No action was taken.