The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1022, 12 November 1912, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1912. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

A writer in the N.Z. Times gives a pointer to New Zealand promoters of picture shows—to give the picture commonly called “Wild West” a rest. “Texas Pete” continues: “I am convinced ninety-nine out of every one hundred patrons of the pictures are sick and tired of them, but there are nearly always two or more (geuerally more) of these abomiuations screened ou every programme I have witnessed. There is an immense field before the picture business in scenic, Industrial, topical, comic, etc,, without importing these crude fakes, which are, geuerally speaking, of no interest, and certainly no benefit to anybody, and I am certain it would pay proprietors of picture shows to close down on this class of picture—its overdone.” While we agree with the views of this critic, it must be remembered that the public taste varies.

Tarring of picture shows reminds us that a rumour is in circulation to the effect that another hall is to be erected in Main St., whereiu pictures will be screened in opposition to the people’s enterprise, This rumour has no connection with the hall a local resident contemplates building in Clyde St. With three halls, or to be correct four, in a town with a population Of 1600 inhabitants

Foxton shouldjsurely rise to fame —or ruin—as being the most pleasure-loving centre in the Dominion. What a struggle there would be between public and private. enterprise, Private enterprise would require a long purse to win, and the public during the struggle for existence would reap the. benefit of cbe;., fictutes ad uauseum. Suppo'-i’;;, there is truth in the rumour of private picture halls and entertainments, the ratepayers must bear in mind that they are shareholders in the municipal concern and as patriotic citizens it would be folly on their part to transfer their patronage to an outside concern, because if the municipal hall, through competition, fails to pay its way, the ratepayers will be called upon to meet any deficiency through the rates. It therefore behoves our city fathers to see to it that they keep the prices of admission within reasonable bounds, and the quality of entertainment beyond complaint, so that if the struggle commences they will have nothing to reproach themselves with. But, three picture halls to serve a population of 1600 —what will the poor tradesmen do!

Dr. Kuzaheth Gunn arrived in Wanganui on Monday to commence her inspection of the schools iu the district. She will examine the children in the northern end of the district this month. It is expected that the inspection of each school will take one day, and in no case more than two. Weighing machines and height measuring standards have been sent for distribution, and each of the schools in the present itinerary has been supplied with Syuol soap, towels, tongue depressors, Jeyes’ fluid, and tape measure. After the end ot this year, when the medical inspectors become more familiar with their districts, they will be in a position to make arrangements direct with the Boards. Special forms to enable the medical inspectors to consult with the Boards, and forms on which the Boards are to notify the teachers of the dates of the visits, are being printed by the Department.