Kinematograph year book (1944)

186 The Kinematograph Year Book, of their striking war innovations has been the introduction of wooden arm rests, available in different colours to harmonise with existing furnishing schemes. Although designed to meet a war-time need, this type of arms rest nevertheless offers distinct advantages even in peace time, where hard wear and economy are first considerations. Faced with a serious shortage of material for new equipment, the problem of making existing seating, carpets, etc., last as long as possible becomes an urgent one. In this department L. B. LockwOOd & Co., theatre furnishers, Bradford, are working at full pressure on repair work to seating, carpets, etc., and although very short staffed indeed, are carrying out important repairs. The firm has done quite a lot of Government work, fitting lino at various camps, supplying and fitting stage drapings to various Royal ordnance factories, and other essential work. W. N. Lockwood is the sole proprietor of this business, which has now been established over fifty years. The majority of our other recognised equipment specialists are engaged upon some form or other of work connected with the war effort, and although struggling against shortage of staff and materials, are yet cognisant of the exhibitors' needs and as far as possible meet them. Walturdaw's have an enviable record in this respect and can still offer furnishings and replacements, and an expert and economic renovation service. Pathe Equipment, while fully engaged on current requirements, are looking to the future and have secured more accommodation for the manufacture of chairs and furnishings, and, moreover, have evolved one or two useful improvements in kinema seating. Fosters (Curtains), Ltd., are still able to offer remarkable war-time values in soft furnishings, and are also busy on war contracts. The old established firm of W. W. Turner & Co. suggests that until the exhibitor can invite a tender for a complete new suite of seating, he should make the most of his present furnishings by availing himself of the repair and reuphostering service which is part of their war-time organisation. Stocks of materials are still available at Paterson's (Glasgow), Ltd., factory, and they have also an efficient repair department working at full pressure. The Lancashire firm of C. R. Harrison invite inquiries on all furnishing problems of the exhibitor. There is therefore little excuse for the showman to neglect the appearance and condition of seating, curtains or carpets when such comprehensive facilities are available for their adequate maintenance until normal times arrive ; there is, however, quite a lot to be done to prevent undue deterioration. Examination of seating, draperies and carpets should be made at not too infrequent intervals and any faults remedied forthwith. Regular cleaning by vacuum should also be undertaken. Meanwhile practically every one of the firms mentioned above are engaged upon planning their post-war product, which promises to advance yet more the already high standard of comfort, appearance and quality which has become almost synonymous with the kinema entertainment. GENERAL EQUIPMENT. A useful service to exhibitors is the daily delivery of torch batteries designed specially for the specific use of kinema attendants. They comprise a cell with the maximum recovery power, as such torches are subjected to more or less continuous use once they commence to function. This recovery power is attained only at the expense of long storage life, and consequently B.B. Batteries, Ltd., have arranged this 24-hour postal delivery service from factory to exhibitor. Ticket-Issuing Equipment. — There has never been more need than at the present for an efficient ticket-issuing installation in the kinema. Not only have attendances increased but the volume of business in the black-out has had to be dealt with by relatively inexperienced girls promoted to the responsible position of cashier. Unless they were operating simple, speedy and foolproof equipment, it Avould have been almost impossible to carry out their