FOR MENTAL PATIENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20283, 18 April 1934, Page 12

FOR MENTAL PATIENTS.

Talking Picture Equipment for Sunnyside. Talking picture plant for the entertainment of the patients and staff has been installed at the Sunnyside Mental Hospital and will shortly be put into operation. Arrangements are now being made for a supply of films. For many years past silent films have been shown at the hospital, but, with the advent of talkies, this form of entertainment had to be abandoned because there were no suitable pictures. This caused a great deal of disappointment. Some time ago it was suggested that a talkie plant might be installed, and the scheme was enthusiastically taken up by the hospital staff and members of the Sunnyside Bowling Club. They raised sufficient money to buy the gear, and so the installation was brought up-to-date. The “ theatre ” is situated in the big dining hall at the hospital. The hall can easily seat approximately 600 patients and members of the staff who attend the picture shows. The type of film to be shown at the hospital will be just the same as those offered in town, and it is understood that the programme will be complete with “ shorts” of an educational nature