FILM CENSORSHIP

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3068, 2 May 1917, Page 6

FILM CENSORSHIP

AILNISTEH'S VIEWS. The following reply lias been sent by the Hon. 0. W. Kussell (Minister of Internal Affairs) in answer to the letter conveying the resolutions passed at the recent conference oi local, educational, and social bodies with regard .to the operations of the Film Censorship Act:— "I have to thank you for the terms of the resolution (a), and to say that while I think it possible that some films of a doubtful nature have been passed by the Censor, on the whole there has been a general improvement in the standard of films shown to the public. Kegarding (b), the right of appeal is given to owners of films becauso of their direct financial interest, and in only one instance has that right been exercised. In that case tho Board 'oi Appeal upheld the Censor's decision. The proposal to give a right of appeal to local bodies, education boards, and religious bodies appears to me to bo unworkable. How could 'religious bodies' be denned in an Act? - . . ' "I may say that whenever communications have reached me as to' any particular film the matter has been carefully, inquired into, and whilst,the censorship •was not too hard at first (to enable-the film importers to adjust their purchases to the censorship), it is being steadily hardened up with a view of reaching a still higher standard. I may, however, aiM that, the picture standard cannot' be fixed at tho standard of the child any more than can that of the novel or theatrical play. "(c) For the reasons given I am unable to promise to introduce the legislation suggested. Neither is it • necessary to amend tho law to give tho police and municipal authorities the further powers asked for. The powers are already in existence, and I may add, a circular letter wa3 sent by me (copy enclosed) to all municipal councils in tho Dominion drawing attention to thoirresponsibilitios and powers in regard to the suppression of indocent pictures at the picture theatres and elsewhere. "I notice your resolution refers to posters and advertisements which, 'while not actually immoral or indecent, are of nn offensive and demoralising tendency.' This suggests so wide a field of inquiry —and one upon which it would bo so difficult to obtain an agreement of opinion—that legislation upon it would be practically impossible."