DANGER FROM FILMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 78, 1 April 1936, Page 12

DANGER FROM FILMS

SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN

UNLICENSED SCREENINGS

(By Telegraph—Piess Association.) * CHRISTCHURCH, This Day.

"The Explosives Department takes a very serious view .of films being shown from the porches of buildings which form entrances and. exits,.' and lif a fire had taken place there would have been a serious obstruction, said Chief Detective Dunlop to Mr. E. Levvey, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court this morning, when prosecuting Vf. J. G Barnes for unlawfully exhibiting films without being the holder of ; an. exhibitor's licence, contrary to section, 32 of the Cinematographic Films Act, 1928. ■ • ■ ■ , Barnes pleaded guilty to charges ot exhibiting films at Sheffield on' January 24 and February 21, and on February 20 and 27 at Springfield. There was a daily penalty of £29 for this particular breach, said Chief Detective Dunlop.. The defendant had held a licence which expired on .September 30, 1935. Since that time he had shown pictures on two; occasions at Sheffield and on eight or more.occasions at Springfield. A machine had been placed in 'the entrance to the Sheffield Hall, where it would have caused a serious obstruction in the event of a fire. . • Barnes said his business did not pay. He was losing money and was trying to keep going until he could get another licence. In fining Barnes £2 on one charge and ordering him to pay costs on the others, the Magistrate said it should bs remembered that there was a daily penalty of £20. As it was the first case of its kind he would treat it as a warning.