THE WAIPUKURAU PRESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1936 INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXXI, Issue 47, 26 February 1936, Page 4

THE WAIPUKURAU PRESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1936 INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC.

The influences of the cinema, wireless, and the Press were among the subjects discussed by Dr. Terry Thomas, of Leeds Grammar School, in his presidential address to the annual meeting of the Incorporated Association of Head Masters, in London recently. No headmaster, he said, could thoroughly understand the boys unless he was familiar with the prevailing cinema and wireless programmes. Both were potent forces for good. Experience had taught him the value of films in school and gave-point to his argument that visual impressions were more easily made. Broadcasting touched their work at many points, ■enlarged their vision, and established new contacts. They were all glad to see the stand that the 8.8. C. and Sir John Reith had taken in keeping a high proportion of educational and instructive matter in the programmes. “I believe profoundly in the educational value of a good newspaper when day ,by day brings the happiness and views of the world before our eyes,” Dr. Thomas proceeded. “It is our duty to see that our boys are brought into contact with,such a valuable influence for their own development. Many of us live in parts served by great newspapers. I need only mention "The Times,’ the ‘Manchester Guardian,’ and the ‘Yorkshire Post,’ to give you some indication of their quality and high tone. Such papers "are powerful lighthouses radiating knowledge, truth, and culture over wide areas. But not all newspapers are good newspapers. What are the qualities of a good newspaper? I put this question to some sixth form boys recently. There answers were illuminating. Here are a few of the points. A good newspaper is fair, impartial, and never afraid to put the other point of view. It always exhibits good taste and never descends to spitefulness. Pictures are welcome, “and even cartoons,’ ’as one boy put it. A good newspaper refrains from stunts, sensationalism, and gossip. The boys favour a good format and arrangement, and there is a general demand for the advertisements not to'be mixed up with the news. They arc against pontificating and vain utterances, such as “We prophesied six months ago,” or “This is the only paper to state such and such.” They favour local colour. One said significantly that England does not consist of London and Manchester only. Others asked for good humour, toleration, continuity of policy, and-—more space for school matches! I have quoted these at length, because not only will the newspaper form one of the most important features in the after-school life of our boys, but also because it is already overlapping our work in the schools. It is not too much to say that' we are co-partners with the Press in the work of general education for citizenship. If the views outlined are generally held by school boys, it is some consolation to us to know that already they are learning, in the words of the Collect —‘To distinguish things that differ.’ It must also encourage our Press to maintain the high standard which they have set themselves.”