CORRESPONDENCE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20105, 11 May 1935, Page 19

CORRESPONDENCE

TASTE IN PICTURES To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald " Sir, —Judging from the tone of his letter, “Koko” apparently wishes to convey the impression he holds a monopoly of good taste in picture films. What is wrong with the Arliss and Dressier pictures, to say nothing of “Ben Hur,” “Cavalcade,” “State Pair,” “The Lily of Killarney” and others of similar type? The two latter were clever humorous and a study in expression whilst the beautiful scenic views and the chai-ming singing were something to remember with deepest pleasure. Reading in an English journal recently I noted that Royalty had witnessed and enjoyed many of the above named films and one presumes that what is good enough for Royalty should be good enough even fof “Koko.” The audience that has greeted any of . the above mentioned films has been quite sufficient to establish the popular taste, and it is ever the same when a good picture is filmed. —I am, etc., PICTURE LOVER. Timaru, May 9. PICTURES IN TIMARU To the Editor of “ The Timaru Herald ” Sir, —I fail to agree with “Picture Lover” that all the good pictures should be shown at the Majestic, as I would just as soon visit the Regent. I would like to know what has become of all the pictures released in New Zealand by British and Dominion Films and Gaumont Gainsborough British Films released by Fox. So far none of the former has been screened in Timaru this year and of the latter only three. I could mention many good films from these companies but for lack of space. I might mention that many of these pictures have been screened in Temuka and Geraldine, but Timaru with three theatres fails to screen these pictures. Why? Now to the picture-going public I would suggest that they read the theatre advertisements in the local newspapers more carefully before visiting the theatre, and by doing this I think there would be a few less disappointed people.—l am. etc., MOVIE CRAZY. Timaru, May 9. HOLIDAYS FOR FARM HANDS To the Editor of " The Timaru Herald ” Sir,—Before Mr Forbes left for England. he said, that to celebrate the King’s Jubilee, everyone in New Zealand should have a holiday,, and most of the towns had a holiday on Monday. But. while out in the country, I noticed most of the farm labourers were working, and one wonders when they are having their day off. The farmers have a day off every week, more or less, but the next compulsory holiday for his men is Christmas Day. The Government passed the Mortgage Relief Act to help the hard-UD “Cockle." but do the members of Parliament ever remember the farm hand only at election time. Will they ever pass a Bill for their relief? It is time they did something for him for the farmhand of to-day is the “Cockie” of tomorrow. Hoping some abler pen than mine will take this up.—l am. etc., EX-PLOUGHMAN. MACKENZIE HARBOUR BOARD REPRESENTATIVE To the Editor of " The Timaru Herald " Sir,—l would like, per medium of your valauble paper, to bring to the notice of the Mackenzie ratepayers the position on the Harbour Board, as it exists at present. Through air unfortunate and unintentional mistake, Mr Smillie’s nomination was not accepted as it was late. This was no fault of Mr Smillie. but, on account of it he has been debarred from defending his seat on the Board. Mr Kidd being the only other candidate was therefore elected. This is perhaps as it should be and in accordance with the laws and regulations dealing with such matters but it brings up this point, that Mr Kidd takes his seat as representative of part of the Mackenzie ratepayers, whereas those ratepayers have had no opportunity of saying yes or no. Therefore he does not really represent those ratepayers. - I know that Mr Kidd has very sportingly offered to contest an election, but failing the consent of his nominators he is unable to do anything. That consent has apparently not been given. I cannot imagine the ratepayers allowing a seat in Parliament to be filled without their having an opportunity to say yes or no to the particular candidates. The position would have been quite fair had Mr Smillie retired, or decided not to contest the seat, as another candidate would have been put forward. As it stands, he is debarred from defending his seat at all. and the new member really only represents two ratepayers, his nominators. Mr Smillie may not be the man the ratepayers want on the Board, but at least they should see that whoever holds the seat, does so by means of a majority vote, in which they have an opportunity of expressing their views by vote. Sir, i do not intend to enter into further correspondence in this matter, as I only wished to bring the point before the notice of those ratepayers concerned.—l am. etc.. VERBUM SAPIENTI SAT EST.