FILMS AND LITERATURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19027, 26 May 1925, Page 11

FILMS AND LITERATURE

PROTECTING THE CHILD. QUESTION OF CENSORSHIP. STRICTER SUPERVISION SOUGHT. Tho Board of Managers of the Technical College yesterday considered tho question of tho effect upon children of undesirable films and literature, A motion was passed supporting tho following resolution of the council of tho Young Citizens' League, which had been forwarded for the board's approval:— " This council invites the co-operation of all other social organisations, religious bodies and institutions having the interests of tho young peoplo and tho high concerns of tho community at heart, in drawing attention to the baneful influence of many of the pictures shown at cinema theatres and of many posters and advertisements announcing the same, and also of much of tho literature which comes into tho hands of tho young people. Tho council also makes an earnest appeal to parents, teachers and ministers of religion to use their utmost influence toward restraining the evils referred to, and also to join in an appeal to tho Government for a stricter and inoro effective censorship of pictures and advertisements of tho same, and for tho appointment of a teacher and one woman to assist the present censor." " It really means a stricter of books and posters," said Mr. C. H. Purtell. " 1 thought tho censorship was too strict." One was liable to obtain possession of a book, ho said, and without knowing it was banned bo liable to a year's imprisonment. Mr. 11. Dearsley thought it was purely a moral question, and for that reason they should give tho resolution their suppert. In conversation with Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., said Mr. C. H. Furncss, the magistrate had told him that there was a crying need for someone to move in this matter. There was a great amount of cheap literature being read by children. Tho police were empowered to act in regard to hoardings. Information concerning other countries, said Mr. C. H. Watts, should not be withheld. There was no reason why they should ban books from Russia if informative material was to bo had in them. This did not concern them, said the chairman, Mr. H. S. W.-King. They were speaking of certain classes of literature which affected children. Mr. Furness: Could we not make it plain we are not dealing with political literature ?

Mr. Watts: That will suit me. As long as that is not included. The chairman thought they should support the issue raised by tho league. "We have, however, to recognise the cinematograph as one of the greatest educational factors we have to-day," ho said. "It is having a great effect on the coming generation. Many of the pictures are not good mental food for young people, and seeing wo take all care when thero is an epidemic affecting the physical side, why should we not take as much where morals are concerned?" The chairman said they should consider the making of picture theatres out of bounds during the school period, as their effect upon tho minds of scholars was such as to warrant this action. A motion was carried supporting the league's attitude, and stating it was desirable to have a list of banned books available for perusal.