SENSATIONAL PICTURES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1448, 24 May 1912, Page 4

SENSATIONAL PICTURES.

REMARKS IN COURT. (By Telegraph.—PresE. -Association.! Auckland, May. 23. The influence of kinema'ograpli picture! on young people, especially tho effect of. pictures of a sensational description, was' referred to at tho Supremo Court to-day. Alexander Bruce Christie, a young man of 21 years of age, came before his Honour, Judge Sim for sentence 011 three counts of breaking, entering, and theft at Elthani, Taranaki, between January end March. Mr. J. It. Retd who appeared for prisoner, said Christie bore an excellent character. He always had amnio pocket money, and counsel regarded the young man's act as a youthful freak. The probation officer reported that; prisoner was <1 frequent patron at kincmatocrraph entertainments, which lie thought, may havo influenced him.

Commenting on this the Crown Prosecutor said tlio kinematograph film was continually coming iindei' suspicion. "It seems to me," lie'continued, "as if sort of censorship should bo exorcised over tiieso picturo displays. Revolver* and exciting scenes of crime are a usual tiling to be seen at these shows, and thero arc plenty of ill-balanced minds which thpso displays influence.'' Mr. Reed was also of opinion that picture entertainments had somo influence in. the ease of weak minds. "Another case of tho demoralising effect of picture shows," remarked his Honour. Prisoner wos admitted to probation on one charge of theft, and oil the otter two charges lis was ordered te com® up for sentence when called upon to do so. His Honour mode a provision-that tho prisoner would havo to abstain from drink and pay ,£lO towards the costs of tlia prosecution.