THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Evening Star, Issue 16987, 8 March 1919, Page 1

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

REPROVES THE KINEMA CENSORS. SpetkinK as a, member of a deputation which waited upon the Hon. J. A. Har.au in Chriptchurch yesterday, Ur Chilton mentioned the educational value of the kinematoaraph. In his reply the Minister spoke of gome of the pictures shown on the screen very critically. "I believe," said Mr Baiian, " that I would_ he failing in my duty if I did not condemn Mine of ttio pictures that are shown in this country. He added that recently, accomn.mied'by some members of the University Senate a'ud a number of ladies, he had visited a picture theatre, and all the party had agreed that one of the pictures Known should' not have been screened for ths public, more particularly whore children were present. Each of them had been disgusted with that picture, and if such were to he allowed on the screen in this country they would help to undermine the eplendid work that had Wen dona by tHeir teachera and by good patent*. The Mlnist*- added that he. had Bjcently discussed the question of providing suitahla pictures for children with those interested in child welfare, and he wae hopeful of arriving at some system of supplying suitable firms for school exhibition. Another point that he considered a very serioas matter was the number of children attending picture theatres in the evening!!, sometimes accompanied by their parents, but often without either parents or guardians. The medicaJ authorities eonrplAuied that the physical and mental energy o! the children wk being depleted as a result of frequent attendance at nicture theatres in the evening. In tha interests of the children them solves that .mast be stopped.