New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-03
MUSIC HALL PROFITS
London Manager Admit Con-
siderable Anxiety for Future.

SlueTdDlo Anxiety IOT uLUTe.
In noting the meeting OF several man.
ayers of the London music halls, THE
London Times" says:
The occasion seems opportune for re.
viewing the conditions and prospects Of
music hall finance in a general way. 1t is
necessary perhaps. TO introduce the SUBJ
ject by recalling the fact that the Empire
continues to pay 20 per cent, the same as
for the last five years. although the di-
rectors complain that the result of the
years working has not been satisfactory.
Exceptional prosperity appears to have
attended the Coliseum, which is conse-
Quently able to raise its syndicate divi-
dend to % per cent in cash. besides giving
bonus of 100 per cent in shares, which
means increasing the capital by $4,000. A
few months ago the Palace declared 20
per cent and week or two ago the Pa
vilion paid per cent
las regards the AlhambTa, although
there is no distribution for the sharehod-
ers, the rare and refreshing fruit of
future dividends may be now regarded as
a delectabe possibility. and in no spirit
of irony we cherish pious hope that it
will not. like some other rare and refresh
ing fruit, turn to ashes in the mouth.
Had it not been for the necessity of
wipng out the debit balance of 1916,
good dividend could have been paid for
1913 out of the $4,000 of profit Now that
this debit is got rid of, and that step
has been taken toward writing off the
cost OF the recent alterations. the pros
poets look distinctly favorable. Changes
in the executive and improvements in the
house have put the Alhambra once more
in the position Of a competitor that has 10
be reckoned with. The shareholders in
the Pavilion, at their recent meeting,
adopted q recommendation OF their d.
rectorate that both stage and auditorium
should undergo reconstruction. so that
the hall might be better able to attract
audiences. and, having attracted them. 10
find accommodation
THE Tivoli Music Hall is also TO be re-
built, the requirements of tho London
County Council in connection with the
widening Of the Strand having been taken
advantage Of TO bring the new premises
up TO the standard OF modern require
ments. These changes seem to point to
mere structural improvements; there Is
behind them a spirit OF unrest which.
while IL indicates a desire for progress.
il also animated by a feeling OF uncer-
tainty.
THE plain truth is that recent develop
ments have put music hall enterprise
into tho melting pot. The legalization OF
stage plays. the temporary vogue Of the
costly revue and the competition OF tho
picture shows have conspired to make
the present day life OF London music
hall manager one CT considerable anxiety
For the present. at ali events. the provin-
cial halls are spared the middle item OF
this triple influence Few, IL any. of the
provincial towns arc privileged TO witness
the first production Of topical revues; the
majority are run. especially when con-
nected with a circuit. OF much cheaper
lines; ard, although they are moro quick
" affected by local industrial conditions
than are metropolitan houses. they arc
not likely TO be jeopardized by the peril
OF costly productions 1t may be accepted
as an axiom shat busy times for trade. at
any rate IN the great industrial centres
arc reflected in crowded theatres. halls
ane picture palaceA London does not
necessarily como under the operation OF
the same law az the same time or In the
Same way, but sooner or later the pros
per,ty % tho people brings about a boom
in emasements everywhere, and It is an
inevitable corollary that setback In
trade tends to smaller patronage and
diminished receipts.
In dealing with London halls II must
not DO forgotten that they are not all on
an equal footing. Some have licenses for
the sale Of drink and others have not, and
thio Cistnction In ordinary years makes
considerable difference in the ratio Of
profits 10 receipts. II is we'll known that
tho possession of a icense encourages
certain class OF custom and, when money
is plentiful, leads 20 the consumption OF
high Priced drinks and materially helps
20 swell the revenue. The inequality OF
treatment Is only alluded to here because
II In n factor which cannot possibly be
ignored In any comparison OF London
halls. -As favored houses. generally
speaking, hnvs leSs to fear from tho
viclssituJes OF fas,lon TO which the
nuicL enterprise. sfd especially music
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