Definition of Taxable Machines
As pointed out in the August issue of Automatic
Age, a clearer definition of the various types of
machines to be taxed is essential. A general defi
nition, lacking specificness, would place an unjust
burden on many types of amusement and skill ma
chines. Furnishing useful information on this
matter of definition rested on the industry, and
its qualified representatives submitted such useful
information.
George M. Glassgold, on behalf of the Coin Ma
chine Industries Joint Council of New York, testi
fied before the Senate Finance Committee on
August 21st. Following are excerpts from his
constructive and informative brief:
“The coin machine industry is not here to pro
test against the taxing of its industry and is fully
cognizant of the need by the government for funds
to further the defense program. My purpose in
appearing before you is to obtain an equitable dis
tinction between the various branches of the coin
machine industry.
“The pinball game or similar amusement device,
is known in the trade as a novelty game, and its
trade name indicates the status and life of such
equipment. As a novelty game, the life of the ma
chine is short. The resultant cost of maintenance
is therefore very high. It is imperative that no
provision be made so that as a result, any group or
large portion of the taxed industry is eliminated
from the field.”
The interpretation of the definition used on tax
able machines cannot be foretold. However, it is
my opinion that arcade-type and amusement-cen
ter machines, as well as vending machines with an
incidental amusement feature, will be exempted.
A Good Start
Thanks to O. P. Smittie, Missouri operator, who
sent the following note with his renewal of sub
scription to Automatic Age:
,
“I ’m sending you $2.00, one for me and one for
Joe B. Michie. He is an operator just starting.
He operates 24 phonographs, 60 scales, 50 pin-
games. Send him receipt for same.”
It’s a good start—with such an array of equip
ment, and having Automatic Age each month to
keep informed on the latest news, ideas, hints, and
operating progress.
Mail Service Bridges Time and Space
During the past two months the outgoing and in
coming mail at the Automatic Age office has been
particularly heavy. Manufacturers, distributors,
operators, association officials requested informa
tion and cooperation on current problems. We, in
turn, sent out an avalanche of letters, glad to do
our part whenever requested.
Such letters as the one following speak volumes
for the splendid character of our industry’s men
and increase my determination to serve the indus
try to the best of my ability:
“Dear Frank: Your letter of August 21st re
ceived. May I compliment you most sincerely on
the intelligent and concise analysis of our business.
Your advice is perfect and if there were more
analytical minds like yours in this business, it
really would be a business. With my very kindest
regards, Sincerely— ‘Curley’ Robinson.”
CLEVELAND CHOOSES 'IT
WAS WONDERFUL THEN1
Cleveland Phonograph Mer
chants’ Association August
choice for Record of the Month
was It Was Wonderful Then.
ARCHIE LABEAU'S
FIRM ENLARGED
LaBeau Novelty Sales Co., St.
Paul, will spread into the adjoin
ing one-story building after re
modeling is completed. The new
space, which will make the plant
a third larger, will house offices
and display rooms, Archie La
Beau said.
^
L. A. MAN MOVES
G eorge M . G lassgold, (a t head o f ta b le ), Public Relations Counsel fo r the C oin M achine In
dustries J o in t C o un cil o f N. Y., Inc., gathers his staff around the conference ta b le to discuss
fu rth e r plans fo llo w in g his return from W ashington where he presented testim ony on b e h a lf o f
the industry before the Senate Finance C om m ittee on A ugust 21st.
AUTOMATIC AGE
8
© International Arcade Museum
Joe Cantor of Western Vend
ing Machine Service, Los An
geles, announced the removal of
the firm to 2702 South Hill
Street.
September, 1941
http://www.arcade-museum.com/