The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jul-Aug 1922)

July 8, 1922. C.E.A. AT LIVERPOOL—Continued. already had a mecting on this subject, and had made application tu the renters to arrange a meeting for discussian, but had not been able to arrange a date. It was a matter which might be left to the Joint Standing Committee to deal with, as that would be the most satisfactory way to leave it to be discussed by the renters and exhibitors. It should be remembered that when they approached the K.R.S. anything which they agreed would not bind conecrns outside the K.R.S., of which there were many. Mr. A. P. Blackham said that he made the proposition in the interests of the renters, beeause if those theatres closed down there would be nothing for the renters, whereas if they helped to keep the theatres open they would be the gainers, A Matter for the Branches. Mr. BE. W. P. Peall thought it would be better for the “ranches to take the matter up with the renters, owing to the way different districts were affected. Mr. H. Victor Davis said he had occasion to go to London to plead on behalf of a kincina. He went to the biggest creditor of that kinema, who pointed out that they had a special committee sitting to deal with such applications. That committee of the K.R.S. required to be furnished with a balance shect showing the financial results for the past five vears, or from the opening of the undertaking, whichever was the shorter period. He was told that this committee had been approached by kinemas that had been making 60 to 70 per cent., and who this year applied for relief. The renters said that was not fair. He thought the worst way of going about this matter was for them to take it up as a Council, and it was better for each individual who was really suffering and who felt he could justify his ease hy production of balance sheets to show he deserved reliet to inake application on his own behalf. Mr. Stephenson suggested that the Council individual applicants with their applications. Mr. Gavazzi King said he had had a good deal of experience some months ago when that difficulty arose, and the suggestion that Mr. Stephenson had made was very much to the point. Members wrote a pitiful tale, and in some cases where specific facts were asked for there proved to be no case to put before the committee of the K.R.S. Before any member went to the renters it would be a good thing for a few members of the Council to consider the ease and the facts. Mr. A. J. Gale proposed ** That the question of the present state of business be referred to the Standing Joint Committee for considcration with power to act.” Mr. J. H. Dovener seconded the resolution, Mr. FB. W. P. Peall moved as an amendment ** That branches be instructed to set up committees to advise and assist members who wish to make application to renters for relief, and to refer such eases to the Joint Standing Committee for discussion with the renters.”’ Mr. J. T. Huillinan seconded the amendment, which was carried, and on being put as a substantive resolution was confirmed. might help Entertainment Tax. Tt was agreed to suspend the standing orders so that a resolution concerning the Entertainments Tax might be moved. Mr. J. McBride moved: ‘* That this conference of the C.E.A. of Great Britain and Ireland, while protesting strongly against the continuance of the Entertainments Tax, recognise that the present time may not be oppurtune for its entire abolition, but they consider that the glaring inequalities in the incidence of the tax should be removed. They heartily support the new clause which is to be proposed by Mr. P. J. Hannon, M.P., and beg to ask the members of Parliament to give it their wholchearted support.’ Mr. P. Josephs seconded the .resolution, which was carried unanimously. «zed ty Google THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 16a Summer Prices of Films. A letter from Mr. A. P. Blackham was read concerning suinmer prices of films. He urged that the value of films diminishes at least 60 per cent. during the summer months, and prior to and jinmediately after a holiday week. He maintained that the price of a film should fall accordingly, aud be reduced 50 per cont. during the period from May 1 to August 31, and the weeks prior and after Easter and Christmas. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Joint Standing Committee. Prices of Posters. The London and Home Counties’ branch forwarded the following resolution for the consideration of the General Council: ‘ That this branch desires to make known to the General Council that it having been brought to its notice that lithographic printing is at pre-war prices, is strongly of the opinion that there is no longer any justification for the high prices now ruling for posters, and that it be made known to the K.R.S. and K.M.A. that unless such prices are immediately reduced, the C.E.A. will in future procure its own posters for the use of its members. And that to a considerable extent the same remarks apply to stills and lantern 6lides.”’ Mr. H. Victor Davies said paper was cheaper, and wages had fallen, and there should be a reduction in the price of posters, and it was desirable to reiterate their objection to present prices. Personally, he was not satisfied with the reply of the renters. There must be something further to investigate when dramatic companies can get their posters ut half the rate. He proposed that their complaint be forwarded to the renters to see if something could not be done. Mr. A. FE. Shields seconded the proposition. Mr. H. J. Cook said that 3s. for a 6-sheet poster was outrageous, and the best way to overcome these charges was to adopt letterpress posters. He had a quotation for 50 6-shect posters, twice weekly, at Is.. letterpress. This matter was referred to the Joint Standing Comunittee, Hull Branch and P.R.S. A letter was read from the Hull branch complaining that notices concerning the P.R.S. had not been sent to four of their members, who threatened to resign if the miatter was not taken up with the P.R.S. and put right. The Assistant Secretary said that one of the members had received forms for his other halls, and even had he not received ene for the particular hall specified, he would know that he was Without a licence and could have applied for a form for the purpose. The Chairman: This is a matter that rather takes the heart out of one when accompanied by a threat of resignation. Members complained that they had not received the forms. He had looked into) a number of and had evidence brought before him absolutely refuting their statements. euses Excessive Railway Charges. The North Staffordshire braneh asked the General Council to bring pressure to bear on the railway companies for a reduction in rates, which at present were excessive. The General Secretary explained that some time ago when the question of railway rates was under consideration they acted in conjunction with the Federation of British Industries. They put very strong evidence before the committee in order to obtain the most favourable treatinent that could be extracted. Since those rates were fixed no individual application to the railway companics would be likely to have much effect. Before they could do anything te forward a case for reduction, they would have to get a considerable body of statistics together, (Continued on nest page.)