SUNDAY PICTURES.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 February 1917, Page 4

SUNDAY PICTURES.

To the Editor.

Bir, —Before making an attempt to defend myself from the attack madeupon me by “WOifcfecr ” in your, issue of last evening, I d.lndd like to tender an apology to “Church and Pictures” and a writer whose nom de plume I have forgotten,, for failing to reply to questions put to me by them. At that particular time, owing to the pressure of circumstances, I was unable to find the necessary time for writing, and when an opportunity did present some days later it appeared to me toolate to continue the controversy. However, as “Worker” lias made sucli a deliberate assault on what he apparently figures out as my one-eyed views, I am compelled to respond. “W'orker ’ r has gone much further afield than most of ns would desire, in his endeavour to prove his ease, but in most cases his assertions are so much bluff and entirely without foundation. He argues that the pictures have done more good for the Taihape people than the churches. W’here is his evidence to that effect? Has he, since the Sunday pictures have been discontinued, attended Sunday evening services io find out thaUAhe attendances have not improved? V’urthermore, lie advocates Sunday Pictures for the moral welfare of the ris-

iTig generation; Joes ho not stop to think that without this Sunday amusement the young people would be in their homes. I say emphatically that the pictures arc a blind and a snare, and an excuse certainly for young people to be out in undesirable places at nig at. His comment on the churchgoing propensities of onr councillors In my opinion is irrelevant, and can be passed over. Hut then again give credit where it is due. Ke blames the piescnt day council for what he terms the "rotten state’’ of borough affairs, I hold no brief for the present party, but I think that I am speaking truthfully when I sa.y that the borough finances,/etc., were in a much worse state before this party came into power. The Mayor and his colleagues are a conscientious, representative little crowd, and ample proof has already been given that they enjoy the confidence of at least 90 per cent, of the ratepayers., "Worker’’ proceeds to bloAV'his own cornet when he speaks of the part he played in the recent, Eosebud Carnival,, .but 1 .would have him ;know that I can produce absolute proof that my friends were ,tho mpst generous donors throughout the few, weeks,..the competition was" -.in progress. .1 will forgive "Worker" for his, tion of me for failing’ to make some reference to the Club. This institution, or rather the hours observed bi(f!it:> members I am totally ignorant, oi? I am still strong enough to withstand, the criticisms of "Worker," and in conclusion I would remind him that his efforts to convert myself and other antipicture people to the belief that Sunday Pictures are desirable have been one huge failure. I am, etc., CHCECHMAN.