SCREEN EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 12

SCREEN EDUCATION.

PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS.

FILM LIBRARY ESTABLISHED.

MEDICAL ASSOCIATION'S MOVE

Recognising lliat the motion picture is a potential force in education tlie Auckland I>i:imil of tlic British Medical Association lias decided to use tho screen

in an effort to give tho public a wider view of its responsibilities in matters concerning public health. Already a library of medical films has been established, and members of the association last evening witnessed a screening at tho Auckland Hospital of five films, two of which form the nucleus of the collection It is to be known as the Dawson Memorial Film Library, perpetuating the memory of Dr. F. W. Dawson, who practised in Auckland for many years. The president of the association, Dr. G Bruton Sweet, presided.

The. possibilities of a library of medical films were first revealed when last year the association borrowed two films from the Health Association of Victoria tn order to illustrate public lectures given in conjunction with the Auckland In St it ute, (he Leys Institute and tho Workers' Educational Association. The combination of lectures and films proved so successful that the association decided to illustrate future lectures by motion pictures. Fund for Purchasing Films. The District Grand Lodge of the Eng lish Constitution of Freemasons, as trustees of the fund left to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Dawson, heard of tho wishes of the association, and decided to place the annual interest from the fund at its disposal for tho foundation of the film library. This amounts to £3O a year, and (bo society will provide an additional £3O annually for the purchase of films. Dr. F- I!. Giinson, who has been responsible for much of the preliminary work in establishing the library, acknowledged the assistance he had received from Mr V 11. I lav ward. The entire screening had been arranged by Mr. ilayward, who had supplied the cinematograph machine, piovided an operator, and altogether had taken a most sympathetic and enthusiastic interest in the scheme The lilitis screened served to show how the, association, in establishing tho library, is initiating a most helpful branch to the service of public health. One film showed in admirably lucid detail how the actions of breathing and hearing are carried out by the complicated mechanism of the human body- While absolutely correct from the medical viewpoint, this film could never be condemned on tho ground that it is too technical, for even (he layman lias medical facts brought homo to him clearly and concisely. Prevention of Disease. 'I lie two films which form the illl< lens of the library have been excellent lv chosen. To the medical man (li.it dealing with the heart and circulation of the blood is undoubtedly i lie more interestiri lt. but its interest is not confined to members of the profession. 'The oilier film deals with (be prevention of disease, it is an ideal propaganda picture, teat hing a most necessary lesson in a very interesting manner. I lie liiius demonstrate the yieat scope of the screen. 'Much 'licence is caused through ignorance and in a science which is highly technical demonstration must always be more successful than explanation. Speaking on (he possible development of the scheme Dr. Gunson said films could play an invaluable part in (he work of ante natal clinics and of the Pluuket Society. Jl is proposed to purchase two films each year to add to the library until the collection reaches such a si/e that films can be exchanged. They will be used at public lectures and will doubtless be, of great instructional value to medical students. Efforts are being made to interest the Government in tho scheme as a possible branch of (lie activities of the Health Department. The Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, was unable to attend the screening, but in a letter to the association he expressed his appreciative interest and his desire to see the films in the future.