The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1918. PICTURES AND THE CHILD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12325, 23 May 1918, Page 4

The Star. THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1918. PICTURES AND THE CHILD.

* 'Hie subject of the effect of the inovjng .pictures on the mind of the child is one which is frequently and freely discussed nowadays. The latest contribution is that by Bishop Julius, who made some references to pictures and picture theatres in his sermon in the Cathedral last, evening. Most people will agree with his Lordship that the proper oversight and training of children is a matter of groat importance, and it may very well bo conceded that that oversight should include a scrutiny of the places of amusement and the character of entertainments. The picture theatres have established themselves ag the -principal purveyors of entertainment to the public, and they are a prominent target for the critic. It is a peculiar thing that nearly all of the hostile criticism has come from people who candidly confess that their acquaintance with picture theatres is of the very slightest. Even Bishop Julius, before administering his rather severe knock, stated that ho did not attend a theatre once in twelve months. His remarks were based on hearsay evidence of the flimsiest description. Wo must say that the experience of the picture-going public is wholly against the conclusion drawn by his Lordship. The vast majority of the pictures screened are healthy in sentiment, and the ordinary programmes presented here can be screened without moral damage to anyone. It is unavoidable that in many of the dramatic pictures the “ heart interest ” should be present, as half the stories of the world’s literature are written round the eternal triangle of two men and a maid. Wo do not contend that all programmes are suitable for children, and it would be most unreasonable to ask the picture proprietaries to make that their aim. They cannot afford to treat their patrons as cliildren, and the public would resent it- Thero arc many excellent films—ono is being shown in the city at present—which are designed principally for children, showing that the film interests are not entirely neglectful of the juvenile taste. There is a censorship over tho films shown in this a country, and we understand that it is fairly rigid. If there is to be a further censorship it should he applied by the parents of tho children, who should exercise proper discrimination in selecting the programmes which their children are to eee.