CHILDREN AND THE PICTURES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 140, 8 March 1919, Page 6

CHILDREN AND THE PICTURES

* EDUCATION MINISTER'S VIEWS. Ily Telegrajm.—l'ress Association. Christchurch, March 7. Speaking as a member of a deputation which waited upon tho Hon. J. A. Hanan to-day. Dr. Charles Chilton mentioned tho educative valuo of the kinematograph. In his reply, the Minister spoke of some of tho pictures shown on the screen very critically. "I believe," said Mr. Hnnan, "that I would be failing in my duty if I did not condemn some pictures that aro shown in this country." Becentl.v. accompanied by some members of tho University Senate and a number of ladies, ho had visited a picture theatre, and all of tho party had'.agreed that 0110 of the pictures shown should not have been screened for the public, more particularly where children were present. Each of them had been, disgusted with that picture, and if such were to be allowed on the screen in tliia country they would help to undermine the splendid work that had been done l>y their teachers and hy good parents. He had recently discussed the question of providing suitable pictures for children with those interested in child welfare. and he was hopeful of arriving at some system of supplying suitablo filnm for school exhibition. Another point that l'/» considered a very 6erious matter was the number of children attending picture theatres in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by their parents or their guardians, but often without either parents or guardians. Medical authorities complained that the physical and tiie mental energy of children were boing depleted as a result of frequent attendance at picture theatres in the evening. In the interests of the children themselves that must stop.