CULTURAL THINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 90, 16 April 1940, Page 6

CULTURAL THINGS.

CONTROL BY STATE. HAMILTON ART PROTEST. — i TRUE ENJOYMENT OF LIFE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAiOLTON", this day. "The proper enjoyment of life is more than eating and sleeping,'' said Mr. James Treloar, president of the Waikato Society of Arts, in opening the autumn exhibition in Hamilton last night. "The mental qualities require other things in order that they may grow and develop. A higher standard of living does not only mean greater leisure, more food to eat and more money to spend. These things alone could easily cause the degeneration of a

people. "But I do not now hold very firmly to the belief that the cultural things should be supplied by the Government. Having seen the terrible deterioration of musical taste as evidenced in the younger generation, and as a direct result of the atrocious nature of our musical (so-called) broadcasts, we can fervently hope that kind Providence will prevent art from becoming a Government Department.

"We believe," said Mr. Treloar, "that there is sufficient recording of good vocal and instrumental music to satisfy our needs, yet we have to suffer the agony of much American canned music for every decent item we get. "In a few years," continued Mr. Treloar. "we will have television in a practical form for general use. If unable to visit an art exhibition, for instance, the Broadcasting Department —heaven preserve us—will make it possible for all and sundry to see the various pictures televised in their own home«. "But,"' he added, "perhaps by then a change may have taken place and the choice will be left in the hands of people who are able to exercise a sound judgment on such matters."