Development Of Cuture In N.Z.

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1947, Page 3

Development Of Cuture In N.Z.

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Discussing cultural development in New Zealand, during the Budget debate in the House of Representatives yesterday. Dr A. M. Finlay (G—-North Shore) said that while culture could nol be created by Government decree, nor developed simply by spending money, a high standard of living did provide the fertile soil in which the seeds of art might take root and flourish.

The present Government had not only provided the highest living standards in the world, but had positively encouraged the arts to a greater extent than any previous Government. Dr Finlay praised the establishment of the National Orchestra and the calibre of its performances. It was now possible to listen to a local orchestra without the apprehension that “an oboe passage will sound like a creaking door." The development of the National Film Unit, the national film library, film strips for schools and national library schools were examples of Governmental activity to foster cultural development. He hoped that a national theatre would -allow before long.

It should J)e primarily a people's theatre around ' which discussion groups would revolve.'