N.Z. FILMS WILL BE SCREENED ON ATLANTIC SHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18187, 21 June 1927, Page 7

N.Z. FILMS WILL BE SCREENED ON ATLANTIC SHIPS.

C.P.R. COMPANY GIVES CONSENT TO SCHEME. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, June 21. Trans-Atlantic journeys of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company steamers will in the near future provide yet another means of miking New Zealand more widely known abroad. The scheme which relates to the regular screening of New Zealand films on vessels owned by this company, is expected to prove one of the mot*t fruitful advertising avenues explored. Some time ago the New Zealand Government Publicity Office entered into negotiations with Mr A. W. Essex, representative at Auckland of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, regarding the display* of Dominion films on the company’s trans-Atlantic steamers, and Mr Essex has now advised the office of the company’s willingness to fall in with the proposal. The letter confirming the arrangement indicates that the films must be of non-inflammable stock, to comply with the regulations, and it is suggested that four films be supplied as follows: —“Three films that will have an appeal to tourists, that is, films dealing with scenic splendour, etc., and one film devoted to industrial developments, providing it is interesting. If it is not, then we should have four films of tourist variety.” “We would like you to point out to the Government Publicity Office,” adds the communication, “that this is a veryspecial concession. I know of no better advertisement it could have than through the display of New Zealand films on our steamships.”

Commenting to-day on the arrangement referred to above, the Minister of Publicity (the Hon G. J. Anderson) expressed his appreciation of the wholehearted co-operation the Canadian Pacific Railway Company had always accorded the Dominion Publicity Office. During 1926 the company had given great assistance in the distribution of New Zealand literature, etc., placing no fewer than 22,780 parcels of tiinetables, booklets, and general literature.

Some 13,233 parcels had found way to selected points in Canada, and 9547 to the United States. “The display of New Zealand films on their steamships,” added the Minister, “should be the means of attracting more tourists to the Dominion. The type and class of film suggested will be forwarded, and it is intended, also, to place on the ships a number of albums containing New Zealand views. It should be remembered that the Canadian Pacific Railway Company- is doing this work gratuitously. It is actions such as these which go a long way to foster the good feelings which exist between the sister Dominions.”