PICTURE SHOWS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 20, 18 October 1919, Page 5

PICTURE SHOWS

Sir,—lt is noticeable that amongst the resolutions passed at the Town Hall meeting of picture palace proprietors there is one that pry particularly affects the general pulilic, viz., the restoration of pre-epidemic hours. Surely the gentlemen concerned have not already forgotten the experiences and horrors of the late epidemic? As all disease germs flourish in the dark it is obvious that a continuous theatre must form a focus of infection, not only for influenza, but for all diseases that affect the breathing organs of the human being. One of the wisest regulations enforced during the epidemic and kept enforced since was the closing down of these shows between certain hours of the day, and this curtailment is not one bit too severe, allowing, as it does, for the introduction of even the small amount of necessary light and ventilation which these concerns can admit into their crowded and shadowy precincts. What matters the question of dividends where the health of the community is concerned? The increased prices for seats, foisted on to the public, sliould make good any financial loss possibly incurred ; and it must not bo lost sight of that once prices are up, they remain up. and our enterprising frionds would accordingly stand to score both ways. Consumption, fevors, influenza, are, moreover, communicated by propinquity, 1 and can it be argued that people entering these places are always free of the germ? of these complaints? It cannot, of course, and 60 it behoves those in control of tho public health to ensure the minimising of these dangers- as far as possible by enforcing requisite sanitary and hygienic conditions. The hours at present ruling are probably quite sufficient to allow of a reasonably remunerative return of profit, and in the interests of public health should be permanently continuoi.—l am, etc., LEST' YE FORGET. October 17, 1919. .