TALKIES UNLIKELY.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17898, 19 December 1929, Page 4

TALKIES UNLIKELY.

TOWN I-lALL SCHEME. ALLEGATION OF “ BLUFF.” WILLIAMSONS’ STIPULATIONS. It is most unlikely that the Town Hall will be converted into a talkie house in view of new proposals made by Williamsons (Films) Ltd., in a letter received at the Borough Council meeting last evening. Williamsons (Films), Ltd., advised that the alterations planned to the Town Hall before a lease could bo signed were not satisfactory. The plans showed the extension of the dress circle towards the stage and for the operating box to he placed in the middle of the circle. This was only 8 feet in width, which was half the size required for a complete talking picture equipment. Their engineer was of opinion that the only feasible place for the operating box was upstairs in that portion now occupied as the council chamber. It would also be necessary to erect a structure outside the hall to house a motor generator, as the latter would, if erected inside, interfere with the sound from the screen. They were of-.opinion that the cost of the building, together with the reconstruction of the ball, would not be justified in view of the shortness of the proposed tenure, and asked the council to bear the major proportion of the cost. They would also require an uninterrupted show on Wednesday evenings. Cr. F. 11. Clapbam asked if the company was serious in its requests. Cr. A. J. Dcnz expressed the opinion that the company had been "bluffing” ever since the matter was first mooted. Tho Mayor (Mr J. I\. Fow) reported that the committee which had considered the matter had no recommendation to make. This can lie interpreted that the council will take no further action.