FILM CENSORSHIP

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1938, Page 2

FILM CENSORSHIP

MAGISTRATE’S CRITICISM. (Per Press Association —Copyright). ■ NEW PLYMOUTH, March 9. A . vigorous indictment 'of " the effect of second-rate foreign films yoiH "the minds of the young people of New.: Zealand was made at the national con; ference of New Zealand Justices ,of the Peace, at New Plymouth this morning by Mr W. H. Woodward, S.M. He. recommended that the conference should give serious consideration to the question of film censorship so that a serious social evil might be overcome. Mr Woodward emphasised that Justices of the .Peace were chosen for their experience and sagacity and/for the trust placed m them by their fellow citizens. Therefore they represented the mature common sense of the .country, and were probably more entitled than anyone else to express an opinion on matters of national importance. ' ",V ; .

j “Is it desirable that'the youth of the community, when they go but for I entertainment at ; night, should .be • transported into an unreal'' country where very low standards' are’ held J up?” he asked, when dealing with .a ! certain class of film. ' *‘MobeyviSj ‘ shown as a god, gunmen . are niadC heroes. Love is ’ debased, a lid ; the, ideal of womanhood is represented grimacing hussies;-’ •* An entirely fajse , impression of . life and citizenship ! given, ' ‘sob stuff’ ’ being alternated I with false heroics. . This coulclv rnpt | possibly’ be for the good bf; ypUfig ' people,, and he thought a mnch stnctJ er censorship of films was required to I ensure that such pictures; were not represented as ideals for the. youth , of New Zealand. \ | Most of the delegates presents had' •; families of their dwn, said Mr Wbpd- | ward, and they must •be • particularly interested in this menace. ItY might jpe said—in fact,', he was certain it | would be said-—that the . Justices of;

the Peace should mind j their. :; owii business and' that this was outside their scope. Ha denied any such 'suggestions. Justices of the Peace were also citizens, anch as such_ [ entitled to take" 1 Tntefest-riirjJihe welfare of the. community, which iwas certainly their business. i . ‘|. The conference will discuss the matter at the end of its other business. ’ . • f ' i •.