CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21198, 23 June 1934, Page 14

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

GREATER STRICTNESS DEMANDED . APPEAL TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT •PRESS ASSOCIATION" TELEGRAH.) j AUCKLAND, June 22. j An appeal by a representative i gathering of Auckland citizens to their representatives in Parliament for the exercise of a stricter censorship of films and posters for exhibition in New Zealand was sympathetically received at a meeting held at the Auckland Education Board's office. In a statement prepared by a committee of citizens, which was formed about two years ago, criticism was made of the report of the parliamentary committee on films which will be presented in the House of Representatives this session, on the ground that it revealed no evidence of constructive thought or leadership. The meeting, which was presided over by Mr H. J. D. Mahon, was attended by 30 citizens representing the views of religious, social, and educational organisations, and business men of Auckland. In reading the statement prepared by the committee, the chairman said representations had already been made to the committee of the House, the Ministers of the Crown concerned, and the censor, but they had been without result. Strong exception was taken to the finding oi the committee that the censorship of films was at present carried out in a satisfactory manner. It was claimed that a number of films now exhibited showed a debased taste, and had a demoralising effect upon the community. It was maintained that the suggestion that "bloc!; booking" was largely responsible should not be allowed to remain in the way of moral reform. Mr Mahon read extracts irom prominent journals in support of the views advanced by the committee. Archbishop Avcrill said it was the duty of Parliament to uphold the moral sense of the community, and he appealed to the local members for their assistance in cleansing 111 ms, and making them uplifting and not degrading. In reply, speeches were made by the Hon. C. J. Carrington, Mr W. E. Parry (Auckland Central), Mr 11. G. R. Mason (Auckland Suburbs), Mr A. S. Richards <Roskill), Mr \V. W. Massey (Hauraki), Mr A. J. Stallworihy (Eden), and Mr W. J. Jordan (Manukaut. Although some of the members admitted that they did not have the opportunity of attending pictures often, and consequently were not familiar with the type of film to which objection was taken, it was generally agreed that there were some films and posters possessing objectionable feature; which could be removed ay censorship. II was recognised that the elTect on the community, and particularly on adolescents and children, was detrimental, and that reform was a necessity.

Several members said they had already attempted to have a stricter censorship, but had not been successful. The difficulties of censorship had been referred to in the report of the committee, but they were not considered serious. It was maintained that reform could be put into force by a Minister within 10 minutes, if it was ay reed upon. WE LUNG TON MOYEM EN T indi cation or Tin-: piki.ic chess ahsociahok i:a.Ejr..\:i.) WELLINGTON, June 22. With the object not so much of achieving a stricter censorship as of educating the general public toward a better taste in films, a movement has bcK.n organised in Wellington to act along lines '■imilar to those which have been engaging attention at Auckland for a year or more. A body to be known as the Wellington i''ilm Council, has been set up. and a committee has been appointed to frame the constitution and suggest a policy.