The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jan-Feb 1923)

poe eat. een ee 20 | THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. January 27, 1923. OPTIMISM ON TAX ABOLITION. T. Herbert Kaye's Review of C.E.A. Work in 1922. FLOURISHING LEEDS BRANCH. "R. T. HERBERT KAYE, the chairman of the Leeds and District branch of the C.l.A., reviewing the C.E.A.’s work during the year at the annual meeting of tho branch at the Kinema Exchange last Thursday, said the principal item of business had been the campaign to secure some alleviation or the abolition of ‘tthe Entertainments Tax. It would be remembered that they made a vigorous attempt to influence Parliament, before the last Budget was introduced. They went all cut for abolition, but it was not successful. He happened to know, however, that the feeling of the House of Commons, when the final vote was taken, was that the time was not far distant when another attack on the subject would probably yield better results. The second ‘cainpaign launched prior to the General Election was undoubtedly a great success. The latest figures showed that there were no less than 405 members of the House of Commons who had expressed themselves in favour of the revision of the tax, while 95 meimbers of the House of Commons had agreed to join a committee to fight the cause for the trade in the House. It had meant a great deal of work in London, and he would like it to be publicly known that they in Lecds appreciated the wonderful services rendered by Alderman Trounson, Major Gale and the sceretary to the General Council. Increase of Membership. Mr. Ju. M. Rush submitted his report as secretary. He said it was his intention during the year to call a quarterly meeting of members cf the Leeds Committee to deal with any matters that might arise as between the trade and the local. Watch Committee. The total membership at the end of the year was 144 halls, a gain of 82 on the year... ~ Mr. Herd Oates submitted the financial statement and hatance sheet, which showed that the year was commenced with a credit balance of £148 odd, and closed with a balance at the bank of £287. The receipts were much higher and the expenses much lower, as compared with the previous year. Both reports were adopted. ; Mr. T. Herbert Kaye was enthusiastically re-elected chairman, on the proposition of Mr. J. Mackenzie, seconded by Mr. J. H. Martin, Mr. Arthur Cunningham was elected. vicechainnan, Mr. E. M. Bush re-elected hon. secretary, and Mr. Herd Oates hon. treasurer. The chairman, the vice-chairman and Mr. J. H. Martin |. (Rothwell) were elected to represent the branch on the General ' Ceuncil, and the following were elected to serve on the © committee for tho eneuing year: Messrs. J. Mackenzie, J. Claughton, J. Smith, J. W. Jesson, P. Elliff, J. Lambert, J. H. Taylor, and R. Spence. South Wales C.E.A. Meeting, _ Lapsed Members—Question of Gradin Be. His annual meeting of ‘the South Wales and Mon. branch of the C.I.A. was held at the Kinema Club, Card? “cn Friday, when Mr. David Hughes, the retiring chairman, presided. After the minutes of the last meeting had been read and confirmed, it was announced that a statement of accounts for the past ycar showed a balance in hand of £172. The meeting unaniniously clected Mr. James Tilney (Ebbw Vale) as ptesident for the ensuing year. Mr. Tilney was unfortunately :unable to be present. Mr. Archie Jones (Cwmcarn) was installed in the position of vice-president, Mr. A. B. Watts was re-elected treasurer, Mr. J. Fooks auditor, and Mr. W. &. Foois secretary. The Chairman (as treasurer), in presenting a statement of the amount subscribed by members of the branch to the Ralph Pringle Fund, expressed the wish that the trade Press would give publicity to the list of subscribers. Mr. W. Coutts, as special pleader in this case, thanked the members for their generous response to the 8.0.8. broadcasted on behalf of the widow and children. The Secretary mentioned that he had received a formidable list from the Central Office of halls in North and Sonth Wales which were nat members cf the Association. The Chairman: I suggest that here is useful work for our Executive. Mr. H. V. Davies pointed out that some of the halls mentioned on the list were in the Association, but they From our Cardiff Correspondent. had allowed their membership to lapse. He was of the opinion that their fces should be as sacred as their life insurances, or anything c'se. Mr. A. Hauser (Cardiff) remarked that many exhibitcre, who were prepared to beesme members of the Association, — felt that the fees asked at the present time were too heavy for them, and that some new system could be evolved, which, whilst it might not mean that the Association would have as much money, it would nevertheless have more strength. No doubt many of those -present were of the same opinion as himself. es 43 : The Chairman replied that whilst he agreed with Mr.. Hauser that consideration should be given to the matter, having regard to the distressful time they were passing through, it was réally n question that must be dealt with in London. As to the list, however, that could be dealt with now, and he suggested that the Executive Conimittee go to work at once. He added that they would remember that two years ago they were promised a new grading method, but this had materialised, and perhaps their delegates to London would bear. the matter in mind, because it was no doubt very much overdue. . It was decided'to nominate Mr. A. J. Gale as President of the General Council for the ensuing year. : On the motion of Mr. H. V. Davies, seconded by Mr. Dooner, it was decided’to hold ao dinner in’ honour of Messrs. W. KE. Jacobs and David Hughes, the past presidents. not yet -