REMARKABLE MISSIONARY PICTURE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2714, 23 June 1925, Page 9

REMARKABLE MISSIONARY PICTURE.

“THE TRANSFORMED ISLE.”

On Wednesday and Thursday evening at Everybody’s Theatre, and also at a matinee performance on Wednesday, afternoon next, the Palmerston public will be given an opportunity of witnessing a remarkable missionary moving picture. “The Transformed Isle.”

This production is the property of the New Zealand Methodist Foreign Missions Board, is approximately 5300 feet in length, and occupies about one hour and a quarter in the screening. In showing the picture in Palmerston North, the Combined Foreign Mission committees of the local Methodist churches have in view not only tht purpose of financially helping the funds of the Solomon Island Missions, but also the idea of stimulating local interest in missions. A more attractive way of accomplishing both these things could hardly be wished for, for not only is the picture an entertainment in itself, but it also depicts in a very vivid manner the tremendous progress that has been made in Christianising the heathen head-hunters of the Solomon Islands.

The film is as true to life as the guiding hand of Rev. R. C. Nicholson, the missioner of Vella Lavella, has been able to get it. Under his direction, the photographer has caught the spirit of native life, the quaintness of cannibalistic customs and the splendour of tropical vegetation. First is shown the islander in his primitive garb and the audience is taken on a murderous head-hunting expedition, which is indeed full of excitement and acted by the natives in a realistic manner. The war dances, the departure in war canoes, the attack upon the unprepared foe, the fight, and its attendant dances of victory, all keep the spectator enthralled. Next is shown the advent of the missionary with his Gospel of peace, and then the change. Instead of hideous debauchery is peaceful industry, where once men fought for the mere lust of killing, strong and healthy manhood is busy with production. Nor arc the womenfolk forgotten in the film. From a life of misery and toil, they are shown lifted into their proper sphere. The children, too, arc having all the advantages of modern education and know of the old life of heathenism and cannibalism only from the talcs of their parents. All this remarkable change has been accomplished in the last quart,er of a century and the Missions Board in the film reminds those who are apt to forget, that there are still other islands in the Pacific steeped in heathenism like Valla Lavella was, and where missionaries are still struggling to inculcate the Christian spirit. These people, too, can be uplifted if those enjoying the fruits of Christianity in civilised countries will but help with funds so badly needed. “The Transformed Isle,” Is to be supported by a series of pictures of still life in the Solomons. The picture will be shown at Feilding on Saturday next, afternoon and evening.