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Regent, Wellington 1945

By late 1942, the future for the Company did As 1944 dawned, it became clear that
not look good; it was again being frozen out continual film supply could no longer be
and its film supply threatened. The purchase guaranteed. Edwards talked to Kerridge about
of Fullers and New Zealand Theatres Ltd selling, but Kerridge showed no interest.
(formerly Kemball Theatres Ltd) by
R.J. Kerridge made the directors uneasy and, The J.C. Williamson Picture Corporation was
with board approval, chairman Harold still turning a reasonable profit from its 37
Edwards looked for a buyer. The feelers went theatres, 17 of which it owned and 20 in
out, but little interest was shown. association.
20th Century-Fox was approached, but
indicated they were not interested. There was In January 1946, it was announced that
some foreign interest, but the world was at Kerridge would soon travel to England for a
war, and talks came to nothing. meeting and possible business deal with

R.J. Kerridge. By 1948, he controlled film exhibition
in New Zealand. He was knighted in 1962.

their separate ways. Sir Ben took all the New
Zealand assets and John the Australian. Sir
Benjamin then sold 75% of his holdings to
R.J. Kerridge and the remaining 25% in 1945.
Williamson and N.Z. Theatres followed
Fullers, marking the end of the combine.

The Wairarapa earthquake of 24 June 1942
closed Wellington's Regent Theatre for two
years. Much structural work was needed to
repair cracked beams, walls, buckled steel and
sheeting in the ceiling. The theatre did not
reopen until 6 April 1944. Regent, Wellington 1926. Williamson Films’ flagship in New Zealand

26 CINEMARECORD # 89