A HIGHER STANDARD

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 133, 2 December 1915, Page 8

A HIGHER STANDARD

CENSORING THE PICTURES

LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER.

" T recognise that censorship of cinema films is desirable in >se\v Zealand, and as Minister of Internal Affairs 1 am prepared to recommend my colleagues next session to bring down the necessary legislation to provide for it. l'Yom what I know of the constitution of the Government, realising that all the members of the Government are men who will take what I think is the proper view of this question, I have no devubt that in one course legislation will be proposed." That was the main point of a speech made by the Hon. G. W. Russell in reply to a deputation which waited on him to-day. The deputation was the outcome of the conference, convened by the New Zealand Catholic Federation, held last night, and reported on page 3 of j this issue. The deputation was introduced by the Hon. J. G. W. Aitketi, j M.L.C., and the speakers were Mr. G. | Frost, chairman of the conference, Mrs. A. P.. Atkinson, Mr. J. J. L. Burke, Mr. J. Hutcheson, and Mr. J. C. Webb. Their remarks were on similar lines to those made at the conference. In the course of his reply, the Hon. G. W. Russell said the subject brought before him by the deputation was one of the most important that could he brought before a Minister, because throughout the whole of the speeches that had been delivered, emphasis had been laid upon the fact that pictures that are being shown will have a harmful effect upon the temperament, the disposition, and the characters of our young and growing population. (Hear, hear.) He need hardly say that he would not be fit to occupy the honourable position of a Minister of the Crown if he did not realise that the views put before him demanded his sympathetic and careful consideration. First, he would like to congratulate the Catholic Federation upon the work that it had clone in this matter. It had succeeded in focussing pre-existing public opinion, and it had brought together a powerful deputation which represented New Zealand. (Applause.) In that respect H had done a great public service, and he was especially pleased that the deputation was not in any way sectarian nor specially representative of the religious sentiment of the country. (Hear, hear.) The deputation came before him, not as representing the churches, b"ut as representing the people, and the children in particular. (Applause.) KEPT IN VIEW. That was not the first time that he had considered the matter. As long ago as 1912, when he was Minister of Internal Affairs, the matter was discussed between himself and his Under-Seere-tary (Mr. J. Hislop), and as a result the Deportment of Internal Affairs had kept in. touch with what had been going on throughout the world upon this very important matter. When, towards the end of August last, the federation waited upon him, he got into communication with the Minister in charge of the police, who issued a circular instructing the police to enquire into and report' upon the subject. THE POLICE AGREE. "I may say at once that there is a consensus o[ opinion among the police ou this subject—among men who are not wowsers, who are not men who regard questions from the Puritanical point of view—that there is a need for censorship in connection with these films. (Hear, hear.) jN'o Government, in view of the reports I have before me from the police officers in charge of New- Zealand, representing men from the Commissioner down to constables in charge of small stations, can refuse to realise the importance of the subject which you have brought before me this morning. (Hear, hear.) You will understand that I recognise that censorship of cinema films is desirable in New Zealand, and as Minister of Internal Affairs I am prepared to recommend my colleagues next session to bring down the necessary legislation to provide for it." (Applause.) NO LOCAL CENSORSHIP. The Minister went on to say that he regarded a local censorship as impracticable and ■ worthless. There was only one censorship that would be satisfactory, namely, that a board should be established in Wellington and that every film on arrival in New Zealand should be | i screened before that board, and that without the permission of the board it would be a penal offence for any man to screen a picture in any theatre. A great deal would, of course, depend upon the board. It would occupy a most responsible position, and it would be his (the Minister's) business, if legislation was passed, to see that members appointed were not narrow-minded men, . because the people who had gone to great expense in preparing 131 ms had a right to have their interests considered, and it would be unfair for the State to practically confiscate large sums of money that had been expended in the preparation of films that might be regarded as unobjectionable in other countries. It would be his business to, as far as possible, see that the proper class of men were placed upon the board. As to women being represented, he was not prepared to make any promise, but in the meantime it would receive his most careful consideration. (Hear, hear). CLASSIFICATION OF FILMS. If the board was set, up they might divide the films into three classes :—(1) Those which only adults should be allowed to see—such subjects that, though educational in value, would be repulsive to children. (2.) Those which would be for general exhibition. In regard to these, it would be the duty of the censor to see that any objectionable portions were cut out, so that the whole of the film need not be rendered worthless. (3) Films specially for children, and which would probably be shown chiefly at matinees. The Minister remarked, in conclusion, that it would be his earnest desire io assist the people of the Dominion to maintain in the- picture theatres, as well as in the press and in general literature, a high standard, both for parents and children. (Applause.)

Last Monday's rehearsal of the "Messiah" by the largely augmented chorus of fiic Musical Union indicated the ample nature of'the rendering to bo given next Tuesday, especially when associated with the grand organ and the large string orchestra that, is taking part. For the convenience of suburban residents fhs Hutt and Johnsonville trains are being delayed till after the performance. A special rehearsal of the full chorus is called for Friday evening, at 7.30, under Mr. Robort Parker.

The "Armies of Europe" war films will bo shown at the Crown Pictures, Lower Hutt, for one night only, as advertised. There are strong supporting lilms.

Messrs. Aubrey Gualter and Co., auctioneers, advertise land for sale at Ilaywards, in tho Hutt Valley, suitable for dairying, poultry, or horticulture. There are about 130 acres, with eight -roomed a.nd five-roomed dwellings, and two sets of dairying outbuildings thereon. The terms will bo 10 per cent, cash, 10 per cent, on possession, in about six monthe, ajid 10 nex cent, six months thereafter.