WEST'S PIC LURES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2860, 6 January 1909, Page 70

WEST'S PIC LURES.

Included in the new plrogtramme presented on the Ist at the Alhambra Theatre fey West's Pictures management is a capital series of momento&s interest, showing the city of Messina before the earthquake. A splendid bird's-eye view of the city has been secured, and gives a splendid panorama of ite cathedral, hotels, churches, and public buildings, that have been recently ■reduced to a heap of ruins with such appalling mortality. There are also pictures of the Sicilian fishing fleet off the coast of Catania, which suffered so severely during the upheaval, when some 500 boats were engulphed by a tidal wave. The sulphur mines of Calabria were also wiped out by the earthquake, and the audience is afforded a splendid view of the workings of the mines. The entire series is of undoubted historic interest, being, it is said, the only moving picture record — especially of Messina— showing Italy's southern province before the 'quale, from which one may learn much of -its industries and commerce, and it is a strange coincidence that these pictures should be received by the West's management at a time when Sicily looms so largely in the press and the oublic mind, for they now have a muchadded interest. The programme throughout ie of more then average merit, and an audience packed from floor to ceiling was not slow in showing its appreciation. There wa6 a great rush of patrons to the Alhambra on Saturday night to « n J°y th , e excellent" entertainment provided by Wests Pictures. Many could only find standing loom. The Italian subjects, of course, were of absorbing interest, for the views of Messina Catania, and Calabria passed before the intent gaze of the audience like ghosts of departed beauties. Herculaneurn and Pompeii, by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D., lay buried under 20ft of ashes for 1670 years before being accidentally discovered by a well-sinker; but thanks to the wonders of photography, the counterfeit presentments of the recently-ruined cities have been preserved with minute gdelity ; hence the great attraction offered ty West's Pictures. The programme turneg from grave to gay with equal success, and the excellent orchestral performances gave enhance enjoyment to the occupants of the Vrowded auditorium. The attractive pictures Will be exhibited again to-night.