Kinematograph year book (1944)

Film Exhibition and Kinema Technique. 185 be expected, but even that is often eradicated by taking advantage of the various cleaning and maintenance services now available. It is impracticable to consider reseating unless enemy action makes this absolutely necessary, for practically no new seating is now being manufactured, and even were it possible to obtain pre-restriction stocks, the costs, according to H. J. Green, of Glasgow have risen by 300 per cent. When it is suggested that the provision of comfort and furnishings were a matter for the C.E.A. planning committee, it was stated that the majority of exhibitors would say that their provision was more a matter for current rather than post-war consideration. Owing to the necessity of conserving raw materials of all descriptions, naturally no new seating can now be manufactured apart from small quantities of replacement parts which may be required for essential repairs so that seating may be maintained in a reasonably safe condition ; consequently most of the reputable makers are concentrating on reupholstery and repairs, although these facilities are being unduly strained owing to the increase of malicious damage. Many of our recognised kinema equipment firms are engaged in providing equipment for camp theatres and industrial hostels, alongside which activities they continue to serve the interests of their exhibitor customers. Among these firms are H. Lazarus & Son, Ltd., who, fully recognising the importance of adequate maintenance of equipment, and consequently are still using every endeavour, in spite of furnishing difficulties to meet customers' requirements in reupholstery and other renovation maintenance as a token of the normal service for which the firm has been outstanding. Pending a return to normal they will be happy to advise exhibitors how best to keep his furnishings in good repair, until circumstances permit renewal. During the past year Beck & Windibank, Ltd., have again concentrated on the renovation and reupholstery of existing seating. Where possible the worn or damaged backs, seats and arms are sent to their factory, but where no spares are available, then the work has been carried out at the kinema without interference to the performance ; notwithstanding their small wartime staff a great number of contracts of this nature have been executed. They have also been fully occupied in making and supplying curtains, principally in velour ; and supplying and fitting carpets and other floor coverings, as far as supplies would allow. After the war the firm expect to be very busy, as so many theatres will need entirely refurnishing, owing to the fact that, apart from essential temporary or first aid repairs, no real renewal or replacement of either seating or carpets will have been possible for several years." The scarcity of seating points the need for effecting timely repairs and renovations and getting the last bit of wear out of furnishings. These can bs undertaken by G. B. Kalee experts ; when the time comes when no amount of patching up will avail, the exhibitor who finds that replacement is the only remedy, can rely upon tangible assistance from this firm. One L. B LOCK WOOD & CO. THEATRE FURNISHERS for SEATINGS, CARPETS, DRAPERIES OF MODERN DESIGN NEWALL STREET WORKS, BRADFORD ' Telephone ; Bradford 2980. Low Moor 240 (Night)