CINEMA FILMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 152, 9 April 1930, Page 8

CINEMA FILMS

STRICTER CENSORSHIP URGED. REQUEST BY CHURCHES. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 7. Reasons for their contention that a stricter censorship should be imposed on cinema films were submitted to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. P. A. de la Perrelle) by a deputation representing the Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic. Methodist, Baptist and Church of Christ Churches, the Salvation Army and the Y.M.C.A. The Minister said he was pleased to receive the deputation, and recognised its importance, representing, as it did, practically all the Churches of the Dominion. He thoroughly sympathised with their desire to see the amusements of the people cleansed from all demoralising elements. He was totally opposed to the exhibition of undesirable films. He valued the contribution the Churches made to the moral life of the community, but the task of censorship was extremely difficult. The Censor (Mr Tanner) took his work very seriously, and was eager to : make the picture theatre the means of true lienefit to the people. The Minister ,said he had received a deputation of women asking for redress of the poster evil, and he had resolved to bring posters under the censorship. Many of the films were no doubt quite unfit for children, and the censor duly informed the management of the picture houses, who made public intimation of the fact. A member of the deputation: That only plays into the hands of the management, and secured for them bigger attendances. The Minister said he would take their representations into serious consideration and confer with the Censor and see what might be done.