FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 4, 5 July 1910, Page 9

FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

NUCLEUS OF A KINEMATOGRAPH COLLECTION.

To 'vitalise the scroll of history is one of the objects of Mr. John Fuller, jun. He suggests that posterity would be exceedingly grateful for a kinematographic portrayal of the present. When the moving finger writes, he hopes to have the movement available for all to see ever after. Hence he suggests the establishment of film "libraries," orkinematographic departments of public libraries or museums, and has conveyed his recommendation in a letter to Mr. A. Hamilton, Director of the Dominion Museum. "With the object of establishing the nucleus of a 'library' of kinematograph representations of national events," wrote Mr. Fuller, "our firm wishes to present unconditionally to each of the museums or controlling authority in the four chief cities of the Dominion a series of films depicting the funeral of the late King Edward. . . . These pictures have naturally excited tho greatest interest throughout the Dominion, and are still being witnessed with sympathetic interest by thousands nightly. In years to come these scenes indicative of the great love and respect in which King Edward the Seventh was held will still be of keen interest, educative and otherwise, and it should be a valuable thing to have them available as required. Hence our offer to the Dominion Museum of Wellington and to Chri&tchurch, Dunedin, and Auckland." It appears that when Mr. John Fuller was in London some three years ago on tlie occasion of the King's inspection of the first Dreadnought, it occurred to him that it was greatly to bo deplored that the kinematograph representation of different phases of historic events could not be permanently and officially preserved for the edification of future generations. Hoping that the responsible authorities, possibly the British Museum, might take the matter up, he wrote to a prominent London paper making a suggestion on the lines indicated, but having reference to all outstanding events of historic importance. So far as he is aware, however, nothing has been done. The death of our late King, and the striking films depicting the funeral scenes, brought back to mind the possibilities of retaining for permanent use kinematograph representations of all prominent events in the history of the Empire. Hence Mr. Fuller's present action, which takes a practical form.

After thirty years' service as town nightwatchman in Palmerston, Mr. Joseph Thompson has decided to resign his office, increasing age and physical disability rendering that step imperative (telegraphs our Palmerston correspondent). Mr. Thompson was appointed on 26th November, 1881, by a committee of such business people as then had premises in the Square. His duties were to keep watch round the Square during the night from 10 to 4, and to call the hours. He was provided with a rattle, with which to awake the town in case of need, and had the powers of special constable. Very few of those »vho subscribed to. the original agreement now survive.