CHILDREN IN PICTURE THEATRES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23202, 28 May 1937, Page 6

CHILDREN IN PICTURE THEATRES

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—May I draw your attention to the necessity for a more strict control of children in picture theatres? On a recent afternoon when I attended one of the local picture houses the behaviour of the children who were waiting in the queue was such that women and elderly people had a most uncomfortable experience. If it is not possible to avoid over-crowding at the entrances to theatres when some specially attractive film is being shown, it should at least be possible to keep the children under control for the period during which it is necesary to wait for tickets. Under the conditions which are allowed to exist in some theatres, elderly oeople, the less robust children, and crippled, people in particular are liable to. injury, but my own observations have shown me that the exercise of a little authority on the part of the managements would be sufficient to keep undesirable behaviour in check, especially when it takes the form of unnecessary pushing. Similarly, greater control of the children inside the theatres would reduce the present unnecessary amount of noise and make the performance more enjoyable for adult patrons. It seems to me that if ill-behaved children are not checked a very bad example is set for others, and the theatre managements should have sufficient thought for.the welfare of our young people to take some measures to see that disorderly behaviour is stopped.—l am, etc.. Discipline.