These boxes were sent to the managers of local theatres decades (in one case even around a century) ago! In them were slides promoting upcoming films which were projected onscreen during the intermission.

From the 1910s big cinema chains began appearing in New Zealand and they competed for the rights to show overseas releases. At a time when a town Foxton's size had two cinemas this differentiation was important for business. 

Some of these boxes bear the names of Aotearoa's big cinema names like 'Kerridge'. The 'Pacer-Kerridge' alliance was founded in 1987 making the upper left box the newest of the assortment seen here. By contrast, the Paramount logo seen here was phased out in 1967! 

Levin's Regent Theatre was officially opened on 20 January 1926.

This picture of the Regent staff was taken about 1977 on the occasion of a social get-together.

From left are: Jeff Gouldsmith (former projectionist), Joan Judd, May Bignal (who joined in April 1954), Jennifer Williamson (now a theatre nurse at Palmerston North Hospital), Nancy McKenzie (who recently completed 30 years service at the theatre), Phyl Fowler (who has been continually employed since 1946 but who had links with the Regent since the 1930s), Rossie Marshall (12 years with the theatre), Mrs Williamson (wife of the manager), David Williamson (who now manages a Woolworths store at Hawera), Alisdair Williamson (now with the film maintenance team at TV2 NZ, Avalon), and in the foreground, Mr Frank Williamson, manager.

Located in Bath Street, Levin.

1) Story of Mangahao. Levin streets were lit by electric power before official turn-on.

Levin's streets were lit by electric power a month before electricity was available to householders or other users. This was recalled by the town clerk, Mr. H. L. Jenkins, during an interview.

2) Levin well served by town clerks.

Mayors and councillors come and go but in the background there is always the town clerk. To him falls the task of routine administration and the implementation of the various policies decided upon by each incoming council. He can be a steadying influence - a curb against enthusiasm swamping economic considerations.

3) Talkies come to Levin.

In 1929 the De Luxe Theatre (later the Regent) became the 40th house in New Zealand to be equipped with the "talkies." It must have been one of the first small towns to have such an amenity and the first along the coast.

4) He made the sound effects.

Seeking some more information on the earliest motion pictures in Levin "The Chronicle" went to Mr. Hector McDonald.

On 18 November 1983 the Chronicle published a feature on the Regent Theatre.