PICTURE CENSORSHIP.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13939, 24 July 1917, Page 8

PICTURE CENSORSHIP.

THE POLICY IN ENGLAND. TO EE FOLLOWED IN NEW ZEALAND. As a result of the deputation, representing various religious and•educational bodies, which recently waited Von the Hon, 6. W.» Russell, Minister of Infernal Affairs, the following letter has beon received by Bev. "R. S. Gray, Dunediu:;." Wellington, July 14th,.1917. Dear Sir,—l have to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of the 12th inst./ with which you have been good enough to send ine a copy of the statement made by you at the recent deputa-, Hon, respecting the policy followed in connection with the English censorship of cinematograph Alms, I shall immediately take steps in the direction of having the censorship in New' Zealand exercised along these lines, I have also to thank yon for your words of appreciation,—Yours faithfully (signed) G. W, Russell, Minister for Internal Affairs."

The main provisions of the 'English policy referred to above are; That the living figure of Christ should not be permitted, that nudity should not be passed in any circumstances, that nothing should be allowed which brought the institution of marriage into contempt or lowered the sacrodness of family ties. Subjects which wounded the susceptibilities of members of any religious body, or stories which picture the progress and surroundings of women leading immoral lives, and scenes showing vice in an attractive form, although followed by retribution, were also objected |o, and indecorum of dress, which seemed In lie meant In suggest indecency or immoralitv were condemned.

The committee appointed by the recent conference in Die Council Chambers report having conferred with the members of the combined Picture Theatres' Association on the question of providing specially censored entertainments for young people, Nd definite conclusions have yet been reached, but the picture managers have expressed their readiness to do all witliin their power to meet the wishes of the committee. They have the various proposals under consideration with a view to formulating some practicable scheme..