Organisation To Supply
p. 80 · Read in the full issue
Pacific With Films
AN interesting development in the provision of amenities for Pacific Islands residents is seen in the decision of Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer to set up a new department to handle motion picture distribution throughout the Pacific area.
Mr. Noel Ford, formerly associated with MGM’s 16 mm division, has been appointed supervisor of the new department, which will
handle both 16 mm and 35 mm films. This new move by MGM follows the creation last May of the MGM 16 mm agency in Port Moresby, in conjunction with the Port Moresby Freezing Co, “The result of these moves,” said Mr. Ford, “is the establishment of a closely-integrated distribution organisation, whereby all parts of the Pacific can obtain motion picture sup plies, patterned to their requirements, and at a minimum of trouble.”
Film supplies for the Pacific area are being brought into line with Australian mainland screenings. For example, up-to-date MGM film releases, still currently playing the main land, are set for early presentation at the Papua Theatre, Port Moresby, and the Lae Theatre.
In 16 mm, the Port Moresby agency has currently on offer several films still on release in the Sydney metropolitan area.
In similar manner, other parts of the Pacific area will equally benefit through the setting up of the new department.
Mr. Ford said that French-speaking areas of the Pacific, including Noumea, the New Hebrides, and Tahiti, are to be specially catered for by films with French sound-tracks, in both 16 mm and 35 mm. This business is being handled by the MGM head office, Sydney. There are MGM offices and agencies available for servicing the entire Pacific area.
Interested residents of New Guinea and adjacent islands can contact the Port Moresby Agency, operated in conjunction with the Port Moresby Freezing Co. Fiji and nearby terri tories can obtain supplies from Fiji Trading Co., Suva.
Professor Frank White, once Fiji Gov ernment mining-engineer and now Pro fessor of Mining Engineering at Brisbane University, has been awarded a Nuffield Foundation Travelling Scholarship. He will visit copper mines in the Belgian Congo.