FILM IN DWELLINGS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 199, 20 May 1941, Page 8

FILM IN DWELLINGS

Breach Of The Regulations

FIRE RISK EMPHASIZED

A statement; that steps were being taken to tighten up the administration of the law which prevented the screening of iilm in private houses or in other unauthorized premises was made yesterday by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Parry. He said there was I lie probability that if a fire occurred in an unlicensed building where film was stored the insurance policy on that building would be nullified. Complaints, made about the practice, which, he said, was considered to be a menace to public safety, showed there was today an increasing number of private individuals possessing 35mm. cinematograph projectors screening highly inflammable motion picture films in their own homes, said the Minister. It was an offence against the controlling regulations to screen inflammable motion picture film of any description except under the conditions prescribed by licence issued under the Cinematograph Films Act, 1928. It was also an offence to store this class of film in a private house and, in fact, in any premises not provided with an approved fireproof vault or tin isolated store.

“It is fully realized." Mr. Parry added, “a good deal of entertainment in the home is given by these 35mm. cinematograph projectors, but owners are running grave risk of fire. Notice in the interests of the public must be taken of breaches of the Cinematograph Films Act, 1925. Moreover, film comes within the category of dangerous goods, necessitating a licence for its storage.’’