CANDIDATE REPLIES

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31215, 12 November 1966, Page 14

CANDIDATE REPLIES

Criticism Of Film Policy

In reply to criticism of sections of his message pertaining to film censorship, bureaucracy, and freedom of choice, he wondered if his critics were old enough to remember the time when children could see any film in every theatre without fear of mental or moral repercussions, said the Social Credit candidate for Fendalton (Mr J. Forster). Screenings advertised in “The Press” on November 10 showed that of the 10 eity theatres only two offered fare “recommended for general exhibition.” He believed this quite justified his comments on family entertainment and his belief in freedom of choice, said Mr Forster.

He believed that to ensure more family fare in this field would not add to bureaucracy.

“I believe that parents who are aware of their responsibilities, as well as church and social workers, will appreciate my feelings in this matter,” said Mr Forster.

“With regard to puritanism, sophistication can quite easily be confused with a sack society. “The fact that in New Zealand now there is a crime committed every four minutes would indicate that I have some justification for my belief that there is a connexion between the increase in crime and the influx of films which abound in sex and violence,” said Mr Forster.