The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Sep-Oct 1922)

October 21, 1922. ——— — THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 5 With Be E XHIBITORS throughout the country appear at last to have come to a decision concerning the form in which the agitation on the Entertainments Tax shall be pursued in the future. It has been generally agreed that the tactics involved in the early part of the year were, to say the least of it, not only lacking in real diplomacy, but have inflicted great hardship on the trade, and the lack of public interest so apparent at the time was undoubtedly responsible for the stand that the Chancellor of the Exchequer took in refusing any alteration whatever, either in the abolition of the tax or in its incidence. ‘Out of the fog of misunderstanding and of the criticism that has been indulged in during the past few weeks, has at least crystallised one clear idea that hag been adopted practically by every branch of the C.E.A. throughout the country, and that is that the support of the public is essential. It has been recognised that to get any hope of abolition the accruing benefits must be passed on to the public, and we see to-day that, without exception, each of the branches have adopted as their cry that of total abolition with benefit to the public. At Blackpool last week the Convention of Exhibitors there, representing many great interests in the kinematograph world, unanimously agreed that this was the only form in which the agitation should continue, and since then the reports from all the provincial centres have taken a similar course. Mr. Percy Broadhead, of the Provincial Entertainment Proprietors’ and Managers’ Association, has adopted exactly the same procedure, and, therefore, the kinematograph trade should now go forward fully united and in perfect accord, presenting a solid front to the Chancellor. Everyone should unite for this end. The new Tax Committee hag been formed with a definite policy, and we are glad to see that differences between themselves and the ‘‘ ginger’’ committee have been adjusted by the simple method of co-opting two or three members of that body on to the new Council. We are also glad to see a pronouncement from Mr. F. E. Adams, in which this impetuous gentleman promises that in future he will abstain from writing impulsive articles, and support the new committee in their endeavours to get the abolition of the tax. We welcome such a pronouncement qn Mr. Adams’s part, for we realise that he can do excellent work in this agitation, provided he does not act alone, but sinks his personal opinions and gives the benefit of his views to his co-workers on the committee. The Tax Committee have also appointed a smaller number of about ten people, who will be responsible for the actual operations and work in attempting to secure total abolition, and we are glad to see that there is no idea of abrogating its powers to any particular individual, as has been done in the past, but a representative number of workers are to go all out and strive with every means in their power to secure the alleviation of this hardship which reacts on the entire trade. Google nefit to the Public Time was never more propitious than it is at the present moment for work to be done, the results of which will undoubtedly be felt in the future. An election is practically certain within the next month or so, and the committee could not do better work than get in touch with all prospective members, and secure their support in remedying this grave injustice. Public opinion, now that there really is something to interest and benefit them, will undoubtedly be on the side of the kinematograph industry. When the average kinema-goer learns that if total abolition is secured he will benefit, he is certain to be a worker on the side of the trade. His apathy, as is well known, in the past was simply because it did not affect him in the slightest degree, but now that exhibitors in this country have seen the light of common sense and are about to enlist public opinion on their side, then we doubt if the Chancellor can afford to ignore the case when it is put before him. Close our ranks, and do not allow any further washing of dirty linen in public to be seen. Bitter words have been used in the past few weeks, and out of the severe criticism that has appeared there is every hope that a united trade will result. Forget all the little differences of opinion, and now work together for a common need. We have in our trade to-day men who have the brains and knowledge to make a just cause answerable. Take advantage of every possible factor to help win the fight, and, above all, don’t decry the industry. A policy has now been outlined which every section of the trade should adhere to—total abolition with public benefit is the cry. Let it resound throughout the United Kingdom, and let there be no halting, and, above all, give the committee who are about to commence their work, every support. Don’t let governing authorities see any weakening, because if the fight is to be won it can only be done by unity, and with an absence of discord. We are glad to see to-day that the C.E.A. has recognised the stupid mistakes of the past, and is determined that in the future they will go forward united to success. They have in their hands a powerful weapon. It should be used solely to obtain public support to their cause. Above all, don’t use stupid threats, but remember that every section of our great industry is interested in the fight, and any rash methods will undoubtedly affect manufacturer, renter, and exhibitor alike. CLOSE OUR RANKS AND GO FORWARD TO SUCCESS.