One of the smallest record labels in the country, TALA was set up in Levin in 1957. In the beginning it stood for 'To Assist Levin Artists' but, with few local acts coming forward, it was changed to 'To Assist Local Artists'. Either way, this label had around forty releases, each featuring New Zealand artists. 

The label's owner, Wally Clark, was quick to pick up on international trends in music and always found local bands who were playing the right tune. This particular tune is by the Warren Sisters who were one of Clark's original TALA talents. 'Lace Covered Windows' was released in around 1968 and was among the last TALA releases.

Follow the link below for a picture of these artists on Kete 

https://horowhenua.kete.net.nz/item/b734f09f-9000-4f64-a332-7f4c1bb84990

Wally Clark was also a professional photographer who also cornered the Levin TV hire market- a very busy man!  

This delightfully 1960s bedroom was projected onto Levin's cinema screens during the intermission. Walkley & Norton was trading from at least 1960 when it appeared in the catalogue of the 'Levin Industries Fair'. When a new Levin library opened in 1965 the firm supplied some of the incidental furniture (although I doubt a bed suite would have been included!!). The company changed it's name to 'Levin Furniture Company Limited' on the 30th of October, 1968 meaning this slide must have been shown before then.

Adding to the retro appeal of this slide is that it is hand coloured. Most cinema slides were back then given the cost of colour printing. The hand colouring industry remained viable until the early 1970s with one aerial photography company- Whites Aviation- employing a colourist until the 1990s!

1960 was the high point for New Zealand cinema attendance and 'the flicks' attracted people from all walks of life. It was the best time to advertise on the big screen! 

A delicious intermission treat awaited Levin cinema patrons with the tasty sounding 'Bonza Bars' stocked in the theatre milk bar! There were many local ice cream companies in New Zealand in the 1920s-1960s and cinemas were among their biggest customers.

The use of the term 'milk bar' places this slide around the 1950s- the 'milk bars' predated today's cafes and were popular places for a chat and a snack. Many companies used the name 'Alpine' for their chilly snacks and it is unclear if the Levin Ice Cream Company had any link with other manufacturers.

The slide itself would have been shown during intermission- just enough time to nip to the concession counter or work up an appetite for when an usher arrived with a tray of treats for sale.