PICTURE SHOWS FOR CHILDREN.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1919, Page 5

PICTURE SHOWS FOR CHILDREN.

STRONG REMARKS BY MR. HANAN By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christ-church, Last Night. Speaking as a member of a deputation which waited upon the Hon. J. A. Hanan today, Dr. Charles Chilton mentioned the educative value of the kinematograph. In his reply, the Minister spoke of some of the pictures shown on the screen very critically. "I believe," said Mr. Hanan, "that I would be failing in my duty if I did not condemn some pictures that have been shown in this country recently." Accompanied by some members of the University Senate and a number of ladies, he had visited a picture theatre, and all of the party had agreed that one of the pictures shown should not have been screened for the public, more particularly where children were present. Each of them had been disgusted with that picture, and if such were to be allowed on the screen in this country they would help to undermine the splendid work that had been doue by their teachers and by good parents. The Minister further stated that he had recently discussed the question of providing suitable pictures for children with those interested in child welfare, and he was hopeful of arriving at some system of supplying suitable films for school exhibition. Another point that he considered a very serious matter was the number of children attending picture theatres in the evenings, sometimes accompanied by their parents or guardians, but often without either parents or guardians. Medical authorities complained that the physical and mental energy of children was being depleted as tlje result of frequent attendance at picture theatres in the evening. In the interests of the children themselves that most atop.