FILM DISTRIBUTORS’ THREAT

Evening Star, Issue 20591, 17 September 1930, Page 3

FILM DISTRIBUTORS’ THREAT

CAUTION AND INQUIRY SUGGESTED [Per United Press Association.] ' WELLINGTON, September Iti. Tho withdrawal of American films from New as a reply to the new tax was a subject of discussion at a meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce this evening. A motion urging tho Government to stand by its decision and nob allow outside interests to dictate its policy was defeated on tlie voices, and an amendment that the question should be investigated by the Importers and Exporters’ Committee of the council was carried. Mr A. Seed, who moved tho motion, said that apparently a strong effort was being made to boycott tho country with a view to making tho Government readjust the taxation which it had decided, the industry should bear. Personally ho thought New Zealand could well do witli a holiday from American pictures. Mr G. J. 11. Norwood, who seconded the motion pro forma, said ho was worn dering whether the chamber ought to pass such a resolution with tho information at its disposal. Ho did not know how far-rcaehing the tax was, but he did know that if it had the effect of shutting down the picture shows many people would bo thrown out of work, and all because perhaps New Zealand desired to assert her dignity. Ho was nob conversant with tho real position, and ho suggested that the chamber would bo well advised to give the ques tion tho fullest consideration before coming to a decision. _ Mr C. W. Budd said lie understood that many of tho companies were not paying income tax, and if that was true he thought the Government’s proposals were fair and equitable. At all events tho position required investigation.

Mr E. R. Render said ho had been led to believe that the Government had budgeted for £300,000 from the film industry. The figures showed that the revenue would amount to £79,000. He supported the contention that the matter required investigation, and moved that the Importers and Exporters’ Committee he instructed to investigate and report. This was carried.