OCTAGON THEATRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19136, 2 April 1924, Page 5

OCTAGON THEATRE.

EDUCATIONAL FILMS. A number of people interested in the question of the education of children per medium of the, moving picture screen, assembled at the Octagon Theatre yesterday afternoon, when another series of educational films was shown. Amongst those present were a few members of Parliament. The pictures, which were watched with keen interest, arc admirably suited for tho purpose for which they arc to bo used—to give an adequate idea of tho beauties of New Zealand scenery and some conception of the industrial activities. As samples of the photographer’s art they could scarcely be surpassed, showing up beautifully on the screen. It is the intention of the Publicity Department of the New Zealand Government to send a collection of them to tho British Empire Exhibition, and one can readily imagine that they will have an ex-

cellent, effect in drawing the attention of people overseas to the attractions which the dominion possesses and which arc all too little known at present. ’the programme opened with a remarkably fine lot of views of Fiordland, including' Miiford Sound, Dusky Sound, and the Bowen Falls. 'the beautiful bush scenery ami the majestic mountains in their solitary and rugged grandeur depicted what must be, an entrancing sight to the tourist who is fortunate enough to view them. The placid waters of tho inlets looked charming, and additional interest was imparted to the views by Iterating and fishing scones. From iiic beauties of the south tho scene was changed to the weird and interesting attractions of the thermal region in the north, pic* tires dealing with the marvels of the hot lakes district being displayed. Tho hot springs, geysers, boiling mud

pools. and other outstanding features of this famous district were shown with great clearness, and proved intensely interesting. An industrial film was next thrown on the screen, the audience being shown the operations connected with the felling and marketing of the giant kauris in the Auckland district. The felling of these nionarehs of the forest, the cutting up of them, the raftiug of them down a river, and the transference of them to railway trucks were depicted as clearly os could be wished for, and a few interesting incidents connected with the camp life of the bushmon were also shown. Views of the well-known Franz Juscf Glacier and the magnificent mountain scenery adjacent to it found a place in the programme, as did an illustration of fishing for hapuka, and scenes in and around Christchurch both from the ground and from an aeroplane. The programme concluded with a military pageant, in which various chases of (he development of the British army were illustrated. A living Union .Tack formed b<- 6000 children made a beautiful picture —one of the most interesting seen during the afternoon. At an interval in the proceedings, Mr M’Donaid briefly explained (he objects in view in showing the pictures. The lion. C. K. Slathain congratulated Mr M'Donaid on the excellence of the programme presented. and remarked that the pictures would he an excellent advertisement for New Zealand when displayed at Home. He expressed the opinion that all parents should endeavour to give fhe.ir children an opportunity of seeing the pictures. At the call of Mr Statham a hearty- vote of thanks was accorded Mr M'Donaid by acclamation-