Correspondence files, annual single number series - Places of Public Entertainment (GRG67/33)

Under the Places of Public Entertainment Act of 1913, places where entertainments open to the public were given, were required to be licensed in the interests of public safety and order (fire safety, ventilation, sanitation, safety of performers, public morals etc.).

'Places' included halls, Institutes, theatres, concert rooms, bowling alleys, dancing academies, merry-go-rounds, side shows, roller skating rinks etc. 'Entertainments' included concerts, recitals, lectures, book readings or religious services held in public buildings, plays, picture shows, dancing, wax works, boxing etc. Meetings in public places also required a permit.

Files contain correspondence relating to applications for licences, Inspector's reports and approvals, objections from members of the public to various entertainments, applications for cinematograph operator's licences etc.

Applicants for licences frequently provided details of their programme, film or other entertainment. Proprietors of picture theatres etc. were required to forward plans and specifications of their establishments, but usually these were returned to the applicant - a physical description of features as required by the Act is usually given. The few plans that are in custody have been placed in GRG5/61, which probably are those of Adelaide theatres in operation at the time of the passing of the Act.

These records were transferred from the Chief Secretary's Office to the Licensing Branch when the administration of the Places of Public Entertainment Act was transferred from the Chief Secretary to the Attorney General in 1969.

For the numerical register for this correspondence from 1913 - 1932 see GRG 24/96; and for the subject index 1913 - 1929 see GRG 24/97. For an incomplete listing of files click Consignment ID below.

Arranged by annual single number.