FILM HIRE TAX

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11326, 2 October 1930, Page 3

FILM HIRE TAX

GOVERNMENT’S FIRM STAND.

APPROVED By/ WELLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

(Press Association.! WELLINGTON, Oct. 1

Following-uponAho recent controversy between the 1 Goveriipieilt ,aiid representatives of the sdulltl filttl ihterestsi ,ih to- the. film hire 'tftShtlie importers and exporters’ committees of the Wellington Chamber of Conimerce recommended the chamber to congratulate the actingprime Miiiistor on the firm stand he had taken’in regard to the tax. • A report stated that the prompt cessation of bookings of American sound films preliminary to r the finalising of negotiations between tile Government . and picture interests created an atmosphere • among the general public that there was. an attempt by a powerful commercial organisation' to challenge . and undermine the authority of tho Parliament of this British Dominion.

“Whether this impression be right or wrong, and quite apart from the influence that tho sound films may tend to haye upon the national character, one cannot be unmindful that tho film hire tax, after due cosideration by the* 4 people’s representatives in Parlimdnt Ims been approved by Parliament, and . that outside interests aro taking tho stand that this taxation is unacceptable to them,’ the report says. “The present stalemate, whether a boycott or lock-out ay it is variously termed, appears to bo an effort to indicate that sound films are threatened to be denied to New Zealand. In passing this resolution tho committee wishes to place on record its approval of the stand taken in affirmation of tho rights of the Legislature.” .