HISTORIC FILMS SOUGHT

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29228, 11 June 1960, Page 17

HISTORIC FILMS SOUGHT

Search By National Library

“The Press--Special Service AUCKLAND, June 10. The National Film Library, in conjunction with the National Archives, is searching for New Zealand films of historic interest which may be preserved as illustrations of New- Zealand life and customs.

Motion pictures have been made in New Zealand since before the beginning of this century, but few early films are available today. Some of them are probably lying in cupboards, in offices or private homes. Many of these films are of interest to the general public and to historians today; they may be of even greater interest 50 or 200 years henceThe Commonwealth Library, Canberra, has for some years been collecting, printing, and storing early Australian motion pictures, and has asked for inquiries to be made for any that may survive in New Zealand.

Readers who may know of any motion pictures made between 1896 and 1040 are asked to inform the National Archivist, Department of Internal Affairs, or the supervisor of the National Film Library, Wellington. The owner of the film will then be asked to lend it for viewing to see if it is worth preserving. The National Archives are concerned with ensuring that as many worthwhile motion pictures as possible are preserved in the national collection. If it is suitable, the owner will be asked for permission to copy the film. This will take about three months. The laboratory will make a negative on safety stock; from this at least two 16mm. prints will be made. The negative and one/ 16mm. print will be stored and preserved. The original will be returned to the owner, together with a free 16mm. print. If desired. Any conditions which the owner may attach to the use of copies of his film will be strictly observed.

Old films deteriorate quickly and many have already become useless. Others are in a critical state and can be preserved if action is .taken at once.