The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 29 FROM OUR LONDON HEADOUARTERS-(Continued.) TRADE REPORTS FROM THE PROVINCES (barn dance), Premier Bijou Orchestra; "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" (hymn), Premier Singers; "Inseparables Polka" (cornet duet), by Price and Kettlewell; "Ora Pro Nobis," Edgar Coyle; "Nelly Dean," J. Davidson; "Baby's Picture," Vincent Hards; "They Were Singing Home, Sweet Home," F. Miller; "Oh! Oh! Antonio," by C. Lester. The October supplement (18th parcel) contains: "Entry of the Gladiators" and "The Elephant March," by the Premier Military Band; overture, "Rienzi," Premier Concert Orchestra; "The Rosary," "Blumenlied" (romance), "Dream Faces" (waltz). Premier Bijou Orchestra,; "Sailor's Hornpipe" (piccolo solo), Gilbert Barton; "Hallelujah Chorus," Premier Singers; "The Old Rustic Bridge," Vincent Hards; "You Are Still My Highland Laddie," W. Davidson; "I'm Not Supposed to Know What I'm About," F. Keeton, and "Whack-jol-the-diddle," Albert Marsh. Here we have twenty-four good titles, the majority of which will no doubt be much in demand. "The Rosary" is a record which should especially appeal to Roman Catholics, while the others cater for the popular taste. The Premier Mfg. Co., 81 City Road, London, are the makers of "Clarion" cylinder records, and elsewhere will be found particulars of a new disc which they have just introduced. Clarion Factors in Manchester. The Colmore Depot, Manchester, which a couple of months ago took over the agency for the Clarion records, previously handled by the New Rapid Cycle Depot at Deansgate, but who gave them up on relinquishing the talking machine trade, have built up a flourishing business in that city. In addition to Clarion cylinders and discs they handle the Pathe products, besides their own special lines. The Colmore Depot have their headquarters in Birmingham, where they conduct a very complete establishment. Frank S. Whitworth, manager of the Colmore Depot in Manchester, in a recent letter to The World, includes the following appreciative remarks: "This paper shows very conclusively that the talking machine industry is a serious industry, and has outlived the slur that was once placed upon it, viz.: that the talking machine was simply a fad and could in no way be reckoned as a musical instrument, and this was borne out by the other music houses boycotting the talking machine. Your paper is absolutely essential to anyone in the talking machine trade who desires to know what is going on all over the world with regard to this particular industry." Can't Affix Advertising Labels. The post offlce has issued a notice to the effect that any letter or package observed in the post bearing on the front a private label resembling a postage stamp will be returned to the sender. This step became necessary by reason of the fact that a great number of people were affixing adhesive advertising labels to the cover of letters which so closely resemble postage stamps as to be a source of annoyance. MANCHESTER AND DISTRICT. Manchester, Nov. 3, 1908. Entering upon the sixth week of the cotton strike, the outlook at present is exceptionally serious, and business generally in the talking machine trade is in a state of stagnation. What the result will be no one can at present foresee, but it certainly will be a very bad season, unless the lockout ends quickly. So far there appears no prospect of a settlement; rumors, however, are afloat that it may possibly end in December, and in. other cases we hear that it will not be over until the middle of January or February next. It is estimated at the present moment that there are 150,000 operatives idle, and these are being added to daiiy. The wages lost per week is approximately £160,000, and the total losses to date, for the six weeks, amounts to £925,000; or by the time this reaches the printer's hands, it will be considerably over £1,000,000 sterling actual loss. The following towns are very seriously affected: Bolton, Rochdale, Preston, Oldham, Blackburn, Heywood, Bury, Darwen, Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Chorley, Radcliffe, Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, and Accrington. In all these towns there is at present widespread distress, and the longer this unfortunate dispute lasts, the more acute the suffering will be. Factors are complaining bitterly that there is not a quarter of the trade about that they should be doing; indeed, so" acute is it that the probability is some of the various employes will be discharged if matters do not soon mend. In Manchester itself business is comparatively at a standstill. There are, of course, orders to be obtained by the wholesale house.? if long credit can be given, but past experience has proved that the large dealers will be very chary about this, especially as the outlook is so black. Dealers who come into the town state that they are selling nothing, and consequently they are buying nothing for the time being. At Burrows & Co., High street, Manchester, business is not startling. Messrs. Duwe, of High street, who report business as moderate, say the new Edison Amberol records is an exceptionally good one, and he expects to do an enormous trade in them a little later. This firm has just issued a new catalog of machines, parts, sundries, etc., for the retail trade. The various retail prices and models of the machines and other goods are illustrated therein. Customers in the North of England who have not already received one should obtain one at once, as the supply is limited. Messrs. Richardson, of Shudehill, like everyone else here, are feeling the effect of the cotton strike, but hope it will soon be over. Mr. Geddes is highly enthusiastic over the new Edison Amberol record, and considers there will be an enormous future for it. Owing to the increased amount of music that will be put upon it, practically double the length of an ordinary record, and the price retail being only Is. 6d. each, it should sell well. The price of the new attachment to fit the ordinary Edison machine to take the new records being retail only £1 Is., will further help toward increasing the sales. By the use of this attachment the present owners of Edison machines will be able to use both types of Edison cylinders. The Edison-Bell Phono Co. opened their new wholesale warehouse at 22 Dantzic street in the early part of October, under the management of A. Lomax, who has been connected with the tiade since 1889. Mr. Lomax states that notwithstanding the depression existing in the North, the business already transacted has been up to what they anticipated. Their new policy being to supply the retail dealers direct, this wholesale depot is a center of distribution for Lancashire and the northern counties, and it appears to be a step in the right direction. They are keeping a large stock of the various kinds of records they manufacture, both in needle and phono cut discs, besides cylinders. They are also handling five types of "Discophones," which are made at their own works in London, and the prices range from £2 2s. to £7 5s. They are also handling five distinct types of the wellknown "Excelsior" machines, which Mr. Lomax states give them every satisfaction. Mr. Lomax expressed his opinion that it had come to stay, and that the trade in this article would, a little later, be as large as with the present needle disc. D. Eraser Watson, of Cateaton street, recently placed an order for Klmgsor machines, and expects to do great things with them. As we mentioned in our last issue, Mr. Watson's special "foite" is Pathe goods, in which he does an exceptionally good trade during the winter season. At Messrs. Robinson's, Deansgate, a big push is being made with Klingsor machines, and some very good orders have recently heen taken. Interest in the Klingsor machines has been considerably roused by the fine window display, and inquiries have been numerous. In concluding the Manchester notes, we understand that a serious effort is now being made to bring the cotton strike to an end. Let us hope it will be successful. LIVERPOOL NOTES. Liverpool, Nov. 4, 1908. In Liverpool and district trade appears to be looking up. The unfortunate dispute in the cotton industry does not affect Liverpool in quite The "World's" Register of British Manufacturers and Factors The following are leading firms in the United Kingdom who will gladly mail Catalogues and Price Lists upon request TALKING MACHINES Records and Supplies Export a specialty. Shippers are requested to state their requirements. American Talking Machine Co. 31 Tabernacle St.. Londoe, England F. W. ROBINSON "The Talkeries," 213 Deansgate, MANCHESTER. ENGLAND Direct Importer of all kinds of DISC TALKING MACHINES. RECORDS, PHONOS., CYLINDERS, ETC., and all goods connected with the trade. WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND EXPORT on cash lines at close market prices. m^K^ Correspondence Invited PROMPT ATTENTION Always open to consider good lines suitable for the English and Forei^rn markets. Improvements and Novelties preferred. Send samples and prices. SEE ADV'T ADJOINING To Colonial and Foreign Bayers Tlie peculiarities of these niarkots have never been more apparent than at the present moment, req.uiring the greatest care in prloiii? and buying, with a view to the future Having had many years' experience, I atu prepared to buy for you upon commission, and to keep you posted up witn all the latest productions and act as your representative. I buy rock bottom. Instructions to purchase goods must be accompanied with order on Bankers to pay cash against Bill of Lading. Bankers, London City and Midland Ltd , Manchester. For terms, please write stating requirements, to F. W. ROBI^SOIV, 213 Deanseate, Manchester, Ens. FOREIGN AGENCIES If You Want to Market Your Goods in the United Kingdom, Write to Me. I can handle profitably Cinematograph Machines, Phonographs, and all Talking Machine Accessories. My connection in the trade is second to none, and my references are first-class. Correspondence invited. R. PRIEUR 68 Basinghall St., London, E. C, Eng.