STATE CINEMA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 305, 24 December 1926, Page 9

STATE CINEMA.

A PUBLICITY VENTURE. THEATRE IN "WELLINGTON. DAILY SCREENINGS FOR VISITORS. (By Telegraph.— Special to "Star.'V . WELLINGTON, this day. Most of the work of the Government Publicity Department is unknown to New Zealanders, for the films forming so large a proportion of its output are put into circulation where it is most likely that increased knowledge of the Dominions attractions will do most good j n the way of tourist and business returns. The Publicity Department has ' now provided an opportunity for New Zealanders to see its " film work, a small and comfortable picture theatre having been provided at the film studio on Lambton Quay. This was opened during the week by the Hon. G. J. Anderson (Minister in Charge of Publicity), who mentioned the desirability of having such facilities, so that overseas visitors could be given an opportunity of sampling, through the films, the varied delights of the country. Thus it was hoped that they would lengthen their stay and extend their itinerary. It was mentioned by several shipping people who saw the initial screenings that such a show might well be provided for passing visitors on the mail steamers who had booked to Australia, and thus induce them to stop over in the Dominion on their return trip.

The selection of films shown included excellent scenics from the South Island, an indication that this part of the country is not being neglected in favour of the thermal sights. A clear film of Ngauruhoe in eruption was one of the most interesting items, and another good topical film illustrated effectively the wool-growing industry. Other moving pictures of cities and public events showed that the Government cinema operators are being directed wisely, and that the choice of subjects is being governed by a good sense of "news values" and general interest. From the photographic point of view the films are first-class; and a great improvement has been made in titles and general planning of the pictures to maintain interest throughout.