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being brought to light which might not have been raised otherwise. Kerridge-Odeon was represented by Mr. F. C. Spratt, Amalgamated Theatres by Mr. E. L. Bartleet, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation (N.Z.), Ltd., by Mr.-H. R. C. Wild, the New Zealand Motion Picture Distributors' Association by Mr. E. P. Hay (whose place when he was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench, was taken by Mr. Wild), the New Zealand Motion Picture Exhibitors' Association by Mr. C. R. Edmond as Secretary, with Mr. H. F. Guy appearing on behalf of the independents in the association, the Independent Cinemas Association by the Hon. J. Robertson, and the New Zealand Theatrical and Places of Amusement and Related Employees' Industrial Union of Workers by its secretary, Mr. J. Fleming. 8. The hearing of evidence occupied in all fifteen days, on some of which the Committee sat in the evenings. Evidence was given by forty-one witnesses, and in addition there was a considerable volume of written submissions. The hearing of evidence was commenced on 18th May, 1948, in the expectation that the proceedings could be concluded before the commencement of the parliamentary session. It was found, however, that the number of witnesses coming forward, and the detailed nature of their submissions, was such that the hearing would take considerably longer than had been anticipated. Since it would not have been practicable to meet during the session, it was necessary to adjourn, and the remaining evidence was not heard until almost a year later. Some advantage was gained by this long adjournment, as it enabled the Committee to view the trend of events during that time. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT 9. A joint memorandum was presented to the Committee as a basis for its considerations by Mr. R. Girling-Butcher and Mr. F. Johnson, the two departmental officers who have been most closely concerned with the administration of the industry. Mr. Girling-Butcher had recently retired from the position of Chief Inspector of Films, and Mr. Johnson from the position of Assistant Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce. Their joint report traversed the changes in the industry since the 1934 inquiry and outlined some of the problems involved. Incorporated also in schedule form were copies of various documents and certain statistics relating to the industry. With minor qualifications, the report was accepted by all parties as an accurate and factual statement of the position. Since it would otherwise be necessary to refer to these matters in some detail, a copy of the departmental statement is included in this report as an Appendix. 10. Between the time that the departmental report was presented and the conclusion of the Committee's investigations, there have been a few changes which should be recorded and read in conjunction with that report. Mention is made in the departmental report at paragraphs 14 and 17 of the Fox Film Corporation's acquisition ■of a half-interest in Amalgamated Theatres and of the Rank purchase of a half-interest in the Kerridge chain. Since then Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation (N.Z.), Ltd., have purchased additional shares in Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., making their total shareholding just less than three-quarters. Under provisions in the articles of the company, the Moodabes and the Fox Film Corporation have equal control .of the company. There is provision for arbitration in the event of disagreement both between

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