Kinematograph year book (1944)

Film Exhibition and Kinema Technique 183 illumination effect but have also been able to spare a little — -a very little — for special lighting effects. One interesting decision on this point was announced by the Ministry of Fuel and Power, who, while agreeing that the illumination of the screen and the organ console does not constitute an infringement of the standard of lighting regulations provided the maximum wattage is not exceeded, still advised exhibitors not to employ such lighting effects. The official statement on the subject is as follows : " Although the interpretation of Orders and Directions is a matter for the Courts and not for the Minister of Fuel and Power, in our opinion your interpretation of paragraph 3 ia) and (b) of the Direction is reasonable. " As regards the general lighting to the kinema, excluding projector lighting, we consider that the diversion of a portion of the permitted wattage to illuminate the screen or an organ console would not constitute an infringement of the Control of Fuel (No. 3) Order General Direction (Standard of Lighting Xo. 1, provided that the total wattage used for the illumination of, and in, the building does not exceed the maximum permitted by the Direction. " I would add that we would nevertheless discourage any unnecessary use of electricity, and would suggest that in order to economise in fuel your members should still be advised not to employ lighting effects of the kind that you describe," Our illuminating engineers have naturally been unable to maintain more than minimum supplies of essentials to commercial users ; on the other hand, their factories have been fully employed on priority work, including equipment for use in Service and industrial establishments and also for export, which has entailed many oversea trips for their technical staff. W. J. Furse & CO., Ltd. — -In common with other manufacturers, this firm has been occupied for some time on work of national importance and can only accept orders for kinema and theatre equipment when they are accompanied by a Government licence or priority. Even under these conditions, however, they have continued to supply their normal products to various industrial concerns and have also manufactured considerable quantities of equipment for X. A. A. F.I. A great deal of research is proceeding with a view to improving, where possible, their wide range of products for use in all parts of entertainment buildings. Strand Electric & Engineering Co., Ltd.— The surprising fact about this company's war activities is that they are still largely concerned with "'theatrical lighting'* — -not. it is true, for the theatre and kinemas, but as an essential contribution to '"the tools with which the job will be finished."* Details cannot be discussed at present but new systems of illumination and control have been developed which will play an important part in theatrical lighting after the war. Meanwhile, they are doing their best to meet current demands for stocks. G.E.C. — Many kinema and commercial applications of discharge lighting will result from the researches upon which the G.E.C. technicians are at present engaged in connection with the development of low-pressure tubular mercury lamps associated with fluorescent powders. A series of these powders has been evolved which, when excited, emit radiation over the whole of the visible spectrum. Apart, however, from these activites, which are primarily directed towards the war effort, replacement of auditoria and general lighting equipment has been extensively carried out and considerable renovation work has also been undertaken with this famous organisation's usual high standard of craftsmanship. F. H. Pride, Ltd., have adapted their organisation and plant to the manufacture of essential equipment for the Government. One important phase of their work has been the making of special reflectors for the 5-ft.