THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 April 1917, Page 2

THE EMPIRE.

"THE DIVINITY OF MOTHERHOOD." "God," wrote Mary Howitt, "sends children for another purpose than merely to keep up the race—to enlarge our hearts, to make us unselfish, to give oar souls higher amis, and to call out all cur faculties to extend enterprise and exertion: to bring round our firesides bright faces and happy smile's,.and loving tender hearts. My soul blesses the Heavenly Father every day, that He has gladdened the earth with little children. But in an age of morbidity there are not wanting women who decline the responsibilities of motherhood until- it- is too late for them-to realise what they" have est. It is round this subject that tlie Divinity of Motherhood," which Is to be produced for three nights only at the Empire Theatre starting on Monday next, is woven. The .picture is --aid to deal .with infinite charm with a. .subject that is regarded as taboo. While h?ino- a strong sociological study it is said to" be fffvested with a gentle graeiousncss that robs ifc of any suggestion at sensationalism' or sordidity.' The picture is described as a sermon! a.lesson and a humanism in one, and full of vivid Interest in its appeal to domesticity. The cast is a strong one, being beaded by the popular picture actress Marguoritli Fiwher and the incidental scenes of babyhood are among the brightest, prettiest and best. The usual prices nf admission will be charged.

BILLIE BURKE, Supporting the great attraction, will lie screened in the iirst chapter of glorious | Billie Burke's series of adventures, '-Gloria's P.otnance." "A WOMAN'S POWER." A SPLENDID WORLD FILM. A splendid drama by the World Film Corporation, entitled "A Woman's Power," was screened for the -first, time at the Empire last night. The picture shows liow Newt Spooner's determination to *...! Henry Falkins., who has Renounced Newt and sent, him to prison, grows deeper with the. years. It sec-ms that the redbranded hatred in bis mind hais seared its impression upon, every uurc of his bcitfc. And then Minerva Rawlins enters ),is life. The change in Newt's nature docs not come in'a flash. Despite-the influence of the girl he loves he still cherishes his hatred. Fate throws the two men together in the Philippines.' Amidst battle'and bloodshed the. vision of Minerva follows Newt. His opportunity to. slay Henry Falkins occurs, but the influence of Minerva, reaching out even across' the iuiles. of salt water> stays ■bis'.hand at. the -.eleventh -liouv-.. How' Newt's finalstage div the. upward path he has set himself to follow is reaeffid is depicted dramatically. The last bar- ' flc'Vs'Svith "which''-Newt has steeled his dark hatred are swept ,TWay, ami a woman's power savers, him from himself and the vengeance of the law. The picture is adapted from the widely-read book, "The Code of the Mountain," by Neville Buck