RIVERTON PICTURES COMPANY.

Western Star, 30 April 1915, Page 2

RIVERTON PICTURES COMPANY.

OPENING EXHIBITION. Moving picture shows.'are ft recognised form of entertainment. They are to be seen Tn every town of any size, and that they are popular is demonstrated by their growth in number and the constantly increasing patronage extended to them. In fact, it may be said that the picture palace hai superseded all other forma of amusement in tho ’ popular estimation, and tho demand for subjects suitable for screening has opened up a surprising number of profitable avenues of employment for artists of various kinds. Leading picture artists receive salaries running into four figures, while highly paid photographers ransack tho earth for scenic and nature studies with which to .thrill and gratify the millions who nightly witness' the moving show. Marvellous has been the progress of tho cinematograph during recent years, and the development of the old-time daguerrotype into the present day moving picture is a, wonderful example of evolution. The average programme runs from grave to gay, from lively to scenic, and very quickly takes the audience a lightningtour round tho "world. While many pictures tickle the risible faculties of ieven the most stern, others dealing with industries, works, and countries are educative, and most of the dramas are as far reacting in their effects as a sermon. Screens for moving plays remind us, We reflect the good life brings; And in passing leave behind us. Memories of happy things. For some time there has been talk of establishing a permanent picture show in Riverton, and. this has now reached a consummation under the organising ability of Mr H. Akhuvst who, when he undertakes a thing, does it enthusiastically and well. A strong local company has been formed with this gentleman as managing director, and ©very Wednesday at Alore,s Hall up-to-date and first-class programmes will be screened. A splendid plant has been installed consisting of a powerful oil engine and dynamo, and the very latest kinematograph. The installation was carried put under Mr Massey, himself a picture man, and he has performed his task as only an expert could, and to the entire satisfaction of the company. At the first trial everything worked magnificently, and the company were fortuate in obtaining hia services. Tho erection of the operating-room and other building work was entrusted to Mr H. Beer, and was well carried out. Tho first entertainment was given on Wednesday evening, when, despite the inclement weather. More’s Hall was crowded, and an excellent lot of patriotic, pathetic, scenic and comic pictures was screened, outbursts of applause being frequent and hearty, the large audience thoroughly enjoying the pictorial portraiture. Tlio star feature was. a threereel film entitled “Through the Firing Line,” and the various exciting features appealed very strongy to the younger portion of the audience w r ho were lavish in their cheers. Tho company is to be complimented on the success that attended their initial exhibition. Mr H. Akhurst thanked the audience for their attendance, complimented Mr Massey on the excellent manner in which he had installed the plant, and concluded by intimating that the programme to be given each Wednesday would be the same as that shown to the patrons pf th© Popular’ Picture Palace in. Invercargill.