Palm-Grove Movies
pp. 41-42 · Read in the full issue
War-Development Brings World To Isolated Pacific
SIXTEEN millimetre sound-on-film movies, which were developed suc cessfully during World War II are now bringing the outside world to many isolated spots in the Pacific.
The fact that they are much lighter in weight than conventional 35 MM film, and thus can be air-freighted; plus the comparative cheapness and portability of projection equipment, makes them a practical proposition for missions, educa tionalists and planters. Some planters have installed 16 MM equipment as one means of attracting labour.
IN September this year a new 16 MM film venture swung into operation on Tongatabu.
The scheme, inaugurated by Prince Tugi, Tongan Minister of Education, will bring specially selected motion picture entertainment to the majority of Ton gans on Tongatabu and, later, it is hoped, to other islands in the Group.
The purchase of equipment, provision of an operator, hiring of films, etc., are all being handled by the Trustees of the Centenary Commemoration Fund, of which Prince Tugi is chairman. It is hoped to use the profits from this new venture to further its aims—namely, to provide bursaries and scholarships for promising local students so that they can continue their studies overseas and qualify as administrators, lawyers, doc tors, educationists, technicians, etc.
The films supplied by Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer (NZ) Ltd. are carefully selected to give an even balance of entertainment and education. It is Prince Tugi’s wish that the films screened be not only of general popular appeal, but will give the isolated Tongans a broader conception of conditions in overseas countries.
A brief commentary of feature-films and newsreels is given in the native language over a microphone system be fore each performance.
The circuit covered by this mobile equipment takes approximately fourteen days and embraces 10 towns and vil lages on Tongatabu Island.
IN Fiji, Taveuni’s new cinema, pictur esquely situated in a palm-grove was built by workers on Mr. J. v!
Tarte’s estate in six weeks at a cost of £7OO.
Known as the Vuna Hall, the theatre seats 800 and was officially opened on October 2 bv the District Commissioner (Mr. P. A. Snow).
Fully equipped for the screening of films and with ample provision for stage presentations, the theatre is the first of its kind in the remoter parts of Fiji. At present it is offering 16 MM film pro grammes twice a week and, the price of copra being what it is, it is being excel lently supported by both Europeans and Fijians.
When the “Awahou” in early Septem ber returned to Suva from Pitcairn Island (where it had landed the new schoolmaster, his family and their home and schoolhouse) and Henderson Atoll (where it had installed an automatic lighthouse) it brought back the follow ing passengers: Mr. Fred Christian, of Pitcairn; Mr. C. L. Hall, son of the famous American writer, James Norman Hall, of Tahiti; Professor Galliard, of the chair of parasitology, at the University of Paris; and Dr. Mille, who was recently appointed filariasis officer in Tahiti.