The Bioscope (Feb-Mar 1914)

986 health of the ladies, which was gracefully responded to by Mrs. Walter Gibbons. Mr. Exzris GrirFitH, in reply to Mr. A. E. Newbould, thanked the Association for the honour conferred upon him by their invitation, and said that, though he was not speaking in any official capacity, he felt justified in saying that the Home Office appreciated the endea TRADE At the meeting of the Middlesex County Councul, held on Thursday of last week, the special committee appointed to consider the question of licensing presented their report. It will be remembered that the committee was appointed as the result of the recent difficulties at the annual licensing meeting, when opposition was raised by cinema proprietors to the imposition of a clause relating to Sunday opening. The spsecial committee, in their reference, were not given any directions as to the Sunday opening question, and, as a matter of fact, the report does not refer to the subject. The principal objections which have been taken to the existing system are (1) that the Council itself is unable to control the granting of the licences or the conditions upon which they are granted, as it cannot fetter the quasi-judicial discretion which must be exercised by the body actually granting the licences; and (2) that applicants for the grant of the licences and persons who desire to oppose such grants ought to have the nght of appearing before and being heard by the Council itself, it being at least extremely doubtful whether they, at present, have any such right. The committee have arrived at the conclusion that some amendment is desirable in the existing practice of the County Council in delegating all its powers with regard to licensing to the committee, and they recommended a course which, they think, will ‘‘ prove a solution of certain difficulties which have in the past arisen in connection with licensing matters.” It was proposed that as regards provisional and temporary licences, the Licensing Committee shall still have the power to grant the same. But as regards the grant or renewal of all annual licences, it was recommended that they should only be granted by the full Council, and that opportunity should be given to the parties applying or opposing to be heard by the Council. The County Council adopted the suggestions, together with the recommendation that the annual licences should be granted “after considering a report by the Licensing Committee, who are to investigate all applications prior to the hearing by the Council.” Google THE BroscoPe, MaRcH 5, I914. vours of the Trade to serve the best interests of the public, and was confident that those efforts were entirely successful. During the evening an excellent musical programme was rendered, under the direction of Mr. Percy Nash, among those contributing being Miss Helen Mar, Miss Cynthia Cooper, and Mr. Archie Nash, whilst Mr. Edgar Smith presided at the piano. 4 TOPICS. It will be seen, therefore, that the proposals follow the procedure of the London County Council. The scheme will take effect as from March, 1914. Kineto, Limited, inform us that they have arranged to rent the film, ‘‘ The World, the Flesh, and the Devil,” direct, and they will be pleased to receive applications from all parts of the British Isles. The release date has been fixed for April 6th, when the full story of the play, as written by its distinguished author, Mr. Laurence Cowen, will be published week by week by Messrs. Cassell and Co., Limited, in their “Penny Magazine.” This firm, having secured the serial publishing rights, will advertise it 2xtensively in every town and district in which the film is shown. The story is also to be published in book form by Messrs. Everett and Co., at the popular price of Is. Kineto, Limited, assert that this film is the most thrilling production yet screened, and that it should prove even more successful on the screen than during its five years’ continuous popularity on the stage. A few days ago we spent quite an interesting morning looking over the premises of the Uniform Clothing and Equipment Company, Limited, under the guidance of Mr. Fred W. Evans, the principal of the firm. After noting the huge stocks and offices, etc., we adjourned to the extensive new factory at 11, Clerkenwell Green, which will, within the next week, replace the Great Sutton Street works. The freehold of the new premises has been acquired, and a fireproof building of five floors, erected with all smergency and safety appliances to the requirements of the London County Council, and three different modes of exit from each floor in the very unlikely contingency of the spread of an outbreak of fire. Electric light and hot water heating are installed throughout, while in the main machine room a B.T.H. motor equipment is to be used for driving the many sewing and buttonhole machines.