CHILDREN’S CINEMA

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6912, 18 May 1929, Page 18 (Supplement)

CHILDREN’S CINEMA

SHOWING suitable films ,ys: PRESBYTERIAN APPROVAL The proposal to establish a children’s] cinema was supported by the Auckland, Presbytery at a meeting on Tuesday.' On the motion of the convener of tlui! public questions committee, Rev. W. L. j Marsh, the following resolution was! adopted: “In view of the growing influence of the cinema and its effect upon tho moral character of the com-; munity the presbytery cordially welcomes the proposal for a children’s picture theatre, where films suitable for juvenile audiences will be shown.” Mr Marsh said the presbytery could, of course, give the proposed children’s theatre its blessing, but he thought the matter required more consideration. He referred to the voluminous report of the expert committee of the League of Nations on the effect of films on child welfare. This committee had analysed 250 popular films shown in three different countries, and it found in them 97 murders, 51 cases of adultery, 19 seductions, 22 abductions and 45 suicides, while 176 thieves and 35 drunkards were unrolled as the chief heroes and heroines of these films. Mr Marsh said he was afraid that those who knew the pictures in Auckland would confirm this. He had lately been persuaded to waste some valuablo hours of his life in picture treatres, and he had been horrified at what he saw. The “talkies” had great possibilities for good and still more for evil, and the element of suggestion in matters that could scarcely be censored was fraught with the gravest danger. Rev. W. Mawson asked how the programme was to be censored. He mentioned a children’s programme he had seen, and into which every objectionable element had been introduced. Mr Marsh added to his motion a recommendation for the appointment of a representative advisory committee to assist in tho choice of programmes.