Kinematograph Year Book 1942 (1942)

228 The Kinematograph Year Book. The following paragraphs give particulars of standard plants in general use among kinemas. Operation costs, where given, must be regarded as merely relative owing to the war's effect upon prices of materials and fuel. National Gas and Oil Engine Co., Ltd.— Particulars have been published of the new type of gas engine in which the compression ratio is raised from 6 : 1 to 15 : 1 and the B.M.E.P. is increased from 66 to 110 lb. per sq. inch. The advantages over previous designs for an engine of the same physical dimensions are, firstly, an increase in power of 50 per cent., and secondly, a reduction in fuel consumption (per b.h.p. hour) of 35 per cent, where power rates for gas operate. A 3-cylinder engine having an output of 27.30 b.h.p. at 1,000 r.p.m.,. and suitable for a 15-kw. plant, will run at three-quarter load on a consumption of 8,720 B.Th.U. gross per b.h.p. hour. Assuming gas is obtainable at 4d. per therm, the fuel cost is 7d. per hour, which is comparable with the diesel engine. After making due allowance for other charges, such as lubricating oil, stores, interest and depreciation, the running cost would be considerably lower than the cost of mains electricity in most districts and the owner would have a reliable independent lighting set. An example of the economies to be effected by the employment of a National Diesel engine comes from the King's, Waterfoot, where its installation reduced electricity costs to £39 a year. The engine drives a 12-kw. dynamo, the normal load being 8 kw. THE PROJECTIONIST IN 1941. ON looking back over the past year it seems that the fears expressed by exhibitors concerning the loss to the industry of the greater proportion of its piojection and other technical staff have not been realised, although, notwithstanding the " blanket " protection which operated, the consistent drain on man-power to the Forces and the workshops has presented many problems to kinema management. The general position will deteriorate as the operation of the National Service Act becomes effective in the early months of the current year, although there is every evidence that the provisions of the Act will be sympathetically administered, having regard to the acknowledged importance of the kinema as a means of sustaining morale and for the dissemination of propaganda. So much was inferred at the various meetings which took place between the Ministry of Labour and the C.E.A., and the opinion was expressed that the nucleus personnel permitted under the Act would allow the industry to function at least tolerably if the present situation as regards substitute labour and trainees continues. As things stand, first projectionists formerly " blanketed " from the age of 25 are now de-reserved, but come within the block deferment scheme until March 1, when block deferment ends. Thereafter, appeals for individual deferment submitted on N.S. 300 will be administered by one of the 44 local allocation committees. Second projectionists hitherto reserved at the registered age of 35 become de-reserved on a year per month basis, starting January 1, 1942. Women trainees, as on October 1, 1941, will be reserved provided they qualify as second projectionists by April 1 . Future women trainees of 31 and upwards who qualify as first or seconds will also be reserved. Women from 20 to 25 are almost certain to be called up, although probably deferment will be granted to permit of an agreeable spread-over. From 25 to 30, the situation may be a little easier. In order to obtain uniformity and to facilitate exhibitor action in connection with the call-up, Advisory Committees were appointed by C.E.A. branches to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour's Committee. These arrangements would appear to safeguard the uninterrupted continuance of kinema operation, but there still exists the possible drift of trained operators into better-paid industries or their voluntary recruitment in the