THE EMPIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 April 1917, Page 6

THE EMPIRE.

"THE DIVINITY OF MOTHERHOOD' TO-NIGHT. A well known dramatic critic of twenty-five years standing in New Zealand writes spontaneously or this picture: "In all my experiences of the world of pictury, and it dates from its initiation, I have never seen a picture which impressed me so much. I admit that I approached it with some scepticism, for the subject, it seemed to me, was one of such delicacy, that it could not be properly treated with any degree of convincingness in a picture. Like the gentleman in the Bible I went to scoff and remained to pray, if not absolutely literally to such an extent that the. picture brought a lump in my throat 011 more than one occasion during its presentation. As a sociological study it is supreme and it is worth more than all the pulpit sermons in the- world as an illustration of tho grave problem of race suicido which is facing us now more than aver. It is not necessary to labor the theme, -but I say confidently that evety man and every woman who can see it ought to -do -so. Further than that it should have the earnest support of every church, and public organisation throughout the Dominion. Its immense power is only equalled by the delicacy of its treatment and its infinite patnoS in an age when we are faced with the problem of losing our boys and having to replace them. I have 110 personal interest in the picture beyond having been so deeply touched by its wonderful humanity that I am anxious that as maiiv of rny fellow countrymen may sec it and I am sure they will concur in saying that it is a revelation in the methods to which the now beautiful art of picturey may be put. We know of sermon and stones, and books in the running brooks but this picture is a serman and a lesson and strong help to humanity all in one. BILLIE BURKE. Supporting the "Divinity of Motherhood" is tile second "Billie" liurke picture to be screened in New Plymouth, "Gloria's Romance." In this picture the charming "Billie" will be seen in a story" especially suited to her remarkably vivacious personality.