MINISTER AND PICTURES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9545, 10 March 1919, Page 5

MINISTER AND PICTURES.

Mention was made of the educative value of cinematograph pictures by Dr. C. Chilton, in the course of liis remarks, as one of the deputation which waited on the Hon. J. A. Hanaii recently on matters connected with, the West Christchureh school. Mr Hainan said that he would be failing in his duty if he did not condemn some of the pictures shown in this country. Recently, accompanied by some members of the University Senate aaad a number of ladies,, he had visited a picture theatre, and all of the party agreed that one of the pictures shown should not have been screened for the public, more particularly where children were present. Each of them had been disgusted with bhat picture, and if such were to be allowed om the screen in this country they would help to undermine the splendid work that bad been done by their teachers and by good parents. The Minister added that inhad recently discussed the question of providing suitable pictures for children, with those interested in child welfare, and "he was hopeful of arriving at some system of supplying suitable films for school exhibition. Another point that he considered a very serious matter was the number of children attending picture theatres in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by their parents, but often wrthcrat either parents or guardians. Medical authorities complained that the physical and mental energy of children was being depleted as a result of the frequent attendance at picture theatres in the evening. In the. interests of the children them- . selves that must stop. .