HELD UP FOR MAORI INSPECTION

Evening Star, Issue 19711, 11 November 1927, Page 11

HELD UP FOR MAORI INSPECTION

THE TE KDOTI FILM

[Per United Press Association.]

WHAKATANE, November 10. Considerable indignation is expressed by the Whakatano Ltd., owing to tbo censor bolding up the ‘ To Kooti Trail’ film. Telegrams were despatched'to Wellington in an endeavor to have the film released in time to fill the Aucldaml engagement to-morrow night. A reply has been received from Mr If', if’. Hockly (member for Rotorua) stating that the authorities are anxious that the film should not offend any Maori susceptibilities, and consequently it lias been seen by Sir Maui Pomare and oilier Maori members. A meeting of tbo directors of the company this afternoon decided to wire Mr Hockly emphatically objecting to Natives viewing tbe film, as it is considered grossly unfair to allow the censor to 1m influenced. The company insists on tlm withdrawal of the film until it can be represented at Wellington,

Tbe following wire has also been sent to the Prime Minister Film ‘Te Kooti Trail ’ held up by censor for criticism by representatives of Maoris. Company strongly objects to censor allowing judgment to be influenced, particularly without company being represented. New Zealand film production seriously menaced by .such unfair action. Serious financial loss and historic interest at stake. Please do not allow viewing by anyone without company being represented. We consider censorship confidential, and entirely in bands of censor. Please see our interests orotectcd.”