BRITISH FILMS AND THE DUTY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 8, 4 October 1927, Page 10

BRITISH FILMS AND THE DUTY

Sir, —Here in Auckland the controversy in the columns of The Dominion regarding British films and the new tariff is being followed with interest. Mr. Robertson seems to be inclined to draw into his shell when tackled, and his reason for not replying fully because his correspondents arc anonymous—won’t hold water. Mr. Robertson has had experience of both sides (exchange and exhibitor), in addition to being at one time member of Parliament, and he knows full well that, no matter how good one’s case may be, it is not always policy to come out in the open. The hands of the showmen are at present tied—they have no option but to defend the foreign companies who are taking so much ready cash everv week from the Dominion, giving verv, very little in the way of revenue to the State hi return. If Messrs. Robertson and Gillespie had been as 'frank as thev might have been at the depu- ■ tatjon, the eyes of the public would certainly have been opened. It is strange, is it not, that not one word of protest or comment on the pro posals has come from the film exchanges or their representatives The one big point in Mr. Robertson’s favour is that Tie advocates a tax on the “after tour profits.” Quite right, but this after all would only be in the nature of an income tax, which the foreign nerchants should pay. Let the duty remain as is proposed, but add also the “after tour” tax, not on profits alone, but on the revenue earned by each picture. Mr. Robertson knows full well that film rentals in New Zealand have never been so low for years as at present—and why ? Because of the formation of “pools” of one sort or another, the result being that film rentals have been forced down to a ridiculous point, especially - in the cities.

Another point in “Buyer’s” letter challenged by Mr. Robertson was the question of over-buying. Oh, Mr. Robertson, you know as well as most of the members of your association know that over-buying is rampant. Here in the Auckland district alone there are at least three towns where the exhibitors have over-bought for many months to come—mainly with a view to keeping out opposition (in some instances much Ufeded). As for the demand for British pictures, it is there all right, but with the existence of the buying pools, etc., the rentals offered can be no inducement to firms to import. Mr. Righton hit the nail on the head when he suggested a public inquiry into the whole business. Pictures have become a public utility, and it is time the public had a say—at present they have to take just what is given them. Some of the sworn .statements before the Australian Royal Commission on the industry are. to say the least, eyeopeners. Let the duty be 3d., tax the companies’ revenue, and bring in the quota. British films must forge ahead, despite propaganda and prejudice. Better films are being made now,' and while we cannot do. without the foreign product altogether, give. Britain a fair chance. —I am, etc., INTERESTED. Auckland, September 30.