self-taught skill of shorthand he valued highly and advocated as a skill for all. His experience as a solicitor's clerk gave him a basis for navigating the increasing frustrating legal demands on managers. He now expanded. In July 1886 he briefly took over the management of a theatre in East Greenwich. By 1889 he was Technical Director for the Victoria Theatre, Newport, Monmouth. He managed a tour by illusionist 'Hercat', also publicly protecting Hercat's copyright. In March 1892, he listed his south-east London projects as follows: proprietor of Morton's Theatres Greenwich, lessee and manager of New Cross Public Halls, New Cross Skating Rink and the Grand Theatre Hall, Bromley. The latter he had built and opened on 3 February 1890 with seating for 800. In all these projects he was assisted by George and 'W.F.'. He was London agent for the 'American Enterprises of James M. Hardie and Miss Von Leer'. He offered his services as 'Arbitrator to the Profession', In particular: advertising skills, financial management, purchasing opportunities, and expertise in dealing with County Councils. He was also advertising as William Morton's Property Agency, with two West End Theatres to let, one suburban theatre to be let or sold, and declared an interest in any pleasantly situated theatre for either purchase or lease. He was also the Sefton Parry Trust's representative for the Avenue Theatre in London, their Prince of Wales's Theatre in Southampton and, in 1895, for their Theatre Royal in Hull (see below). He became a member of the council of the Theatrical Managers' Association during the time Sir Henry Irving was chairman. 'Church and Stage' Conflict Morton had already found himself in conflict with the church while a journalist in Southport. His wife-to-be found a note inserted in her hymn book which read "Be not unequally yoked together." Morton confronted his critic, won him round and received a generous wedding present. At that time, Morton commented in his memoirs, there was more bigotry. "The religious community looked upon actors and press men as less godly than other people." The prejudiced 'respectable classes' were catered for by non-theatrical shows. The Hull Daily Mail, echoed, "To many of extreme religious views, his profession was anathema". In a 1910 lecture, which included a couple of Maskelyne's illusions, Morton said that the Protestant Church still took too prejudiced a view against the stage. Considering the greater temptations he did not consider