The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Mar-Apr 1923)

April 28, 1923. itors and the C.E.A. at Preston to form a ranch. -TTERS DISCUSSED. | Representattyve). No Southern Domination or Over-riding by Headquarters. Major Gale then called on Mr. Gavazzi King, explaining that Mr. King was probably there against doctor’s orders, as he had been ill during the week-end. Mr. King bore testimony to the vigorous and successful working of the two Lancashire branches in the past, saying that during their period they did not call for the presence of the general secretary. He understood there was a distinct feeling of disappointment that the branch which they had supported had ceased to exist, and that they were desirous of coming together again. He was sure the strength of the Association would be enormously increased by again having in its midst the vigorous representatives of West Lancashire. In his speech he dealt with the constitution of the Council and the psychology of the delegates of which it is composed. He thought the idea was too prevalent that because the centre was in the South, the South dominated, but any person who had been present at their Council meetings would go away with a different view. He believed there was an impression existing that there was a disposition on the part of headquarters to override the branches. This is erroneous. The constitution is such that the branches rule the views and conduct of the Association as a whole. The Association had now set up a number of virile committees, each with a chairman who, himself, was the moving force of these committees. With these and the General Purposes Committee the branches could have confidence that questions could have more consideration than ever in the past. He looked forward with confidence to a vigorous, hearty, helpful West Lancashire branch. At this stage the Chairman suggested they should proceed to elect officers in accordance with the agenda, but there was a proposition which was seconded and carried that questions be first taken. A C.P.M.A. Complaint. A. Wilkinson, the president of the C.P.M.A., who ‘explained that he was not there in his official capacity, but was present on. behalf of Mr. Harrison, of Blackpool, was the first on his feet. He said they had all listened attentively to what had been said, and they had had a fair amount of talk about unity. He hoped they could have more in practice than in speech. He asked: Is it a fact that the general secretary used the phrase : ‘A few disgruntled exhibitors of Manchester.’” He wanted to have a plain talk and commonsense understanding for the future. C.P.M.A. to the C.E.A. in connection with the Entertainments Tax Comnfittee were not accepted, and the C.P.M.A. was not represented ‘on ‘the committee, although much of the success of the meeting on the subject of total abolition at Manchester was due to them. In direct reply to this question Mr. Fred Worswick said the C.P.M.A. were represented on the committee by Messrs. Harrison and Moorhouse who, however, 7 were also identified with another body. He complained that offers of co-operation from the THE FILM RENTER’ & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. 55 On this subject Alderman Trounson said in view of the present circumstances rewarding the tax he would prefer to answer Mr. Wilkinson privately or after the matter of the tax had been settled. He admitted the C.P.M.A. had helped. _ | The President said the policy of the C.E.A. was to work in harmony with other bodies on national matters for the good of the industry. The C.E.A, the P.R.S. and Mr. Huish. Mr. Knight raised the subject of the P.R.S. He said they all knew the trouble they had had in regard to the tax, but there was something which was likely to be far worse unless they saw to it. Jt would be costing them 10, 15, or 25 per cent. They would be in the same position as on the continent. | He wanted. to know *‘ Did Gavazzi King receive -a letter from Mr. Williams that if he had circulated it would have killed -the P.R.S. for ever? " Mr. King replied that the letter was received, but it was thought unwise to circulate it. Fred Worswick stated that. another organisation had ste received that letter and took the same attitude. At this stage Mr. Huish rose with some papers in his hand, and remarking that the president had made an allusion to the breakaway, cominenced to give historical facts regarding the connection between the C.E.A. and the P.R.S. He was asked by the Chairman to come to the question, and one or two members made remarks. Proceeding, Mr. Huish noticed that Mr. Kaye was making some remarks to one of the pressmen present, and he called across the room, ‘t Oh, no, they wont report it, I shall report it for them.’" Mr. Huish, who said he represented twenty exhibitors, was permitted to continue his speech. Following him several members referred to personal connections with the P.R.S., and presented several problems which had confronted them. At a later stage Mr. Huish queried what was the connection between the C.E.A. and the P.R.S. He was continually having that question put to him when he was with the Association, and that was why he left. As a ciosure.to the discussion on this matter Major Gale referred to the existence of a contract with the P.R.S., and said that when it expired they wanted one satisfactory to the majority or else put up organised opposition to alter the Copyright Act, or whatever else was necessary. When the Chairman again suggested. they should proceed to elect officers Mr. Thos. Else suggested that they should have a further meeting of the branch members only for this purpose, und this was agreed to. A Plea for Co-operation. After this Mr. Huish asked if there was any opportunity of the two Associations (C.E.A. and C.P.M.A.) co-operating The main object of the C.P.M.A. was to formulate a territorial association. The majority of the members retained their membership of the C.E.A., and he had encouraged them to do so. They wanted to work with them; and he did not see why there should be any difficulty at all. He was not going to put up with anv more of this mudslinging. They had tried to cooperate with the C.E.A. and ultimately he was hoping the time would arrive when they would be one gigantic body. Thev had not worked against them, but on their own, and in their own way. Continuing, he said a mean and dastardly advantage had been taken of his illness, and appealed that they should stop mudslinging. If that occasion had been taken as ‘an opportunity to throw down the gauntlet to him he was going to take it, and he had never been connected with a failure yet. Thanks were proposed to Major Gale by Alderman Trounson, seconded by Tom Smethurst, and supported by Messrs. Wilkinson and Knight. Major Gale, in a concluding speech, said he had becn pleased to come among them. . He liked to go any. where where the’ statements were blunt: He mentioned the fact that he had started as a little show man, and stated he was_ with the Association to impart his knowledge, He would do anything and go anywhere to help the industry.