CINEMATOGRAPH REFORM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20257, 17 May 1929, Page 15

CINEMATOGRAPH REFORM.

BETTER FILMS LEAGUE.

DECISION OF WOMEN'S COUNCIL,

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] GISBORXE, Thursday.

The reform of cinematograph entertainments, with kindred matters such as posters, was the subject of discussion at the Dominion conference of the National Council of Women yesterday. It was finally decided that- a ''Better Films [Association" be formed among the branches of the council.

Mrs. Henry Smith, Wellington, moved: —"That the council make a further determined effort in the direction of reforming the cinematograph, especially in the matter of posters." The mover said 1 lie Government could really give little help. An appeal to the picture theatre managers also found little response. Dr. Buckley Turkington, Auckland, asked whether the "talkies" could be included in the remit. Apparently an [American accent was to be thrust on xoung New Zealanders. Mrs. Henry Smith said she considered that no attack should be made upon pictures nor on the " talkies," but only on oilier points mentioned in the remit. Miss A. Basten, Auckland, said the matter could be dealt under the by-laws, r.nd an interview with the town clerk was the course adopted in Auckland. Mrs. E. J. Moore, Wellington, said (children's theatres had been established 'in England. If they could introduce that scheme in New Zealand then the position you Id be greatly improved. Miss E. Melville, Auckland, referred to i lie Better Films League " form of unofficial censorship, which was now in its initial stages in Auckland. She said that appeared to be the best means toward forming a better public opinion on the cjiiostion of films. Dr. Buckley Turkington moved that a tetter films association be formed among the branches of the council, with power to co-operate and work in conjunction v illi any other organisations already in txistence. The original remit and (he later motion jon the subject -were both carried. " That ail films produced in New Zealand should be censored by the New ypaland censor before export," was a further remit which was carried. remit from Duneclin, moved by Miss T. R, Sherriff, was as follows"That the jl mister of Internal Affairs be urged to appoint a woman to act in conjunction .with the censor of films." .After discussion the remit was redrafted Bud passed as' follows: —"That the ■Minister be urged to appoint a board of censorship ot films, such hoard to include at least one woman member." " That a letter of appreciation be sent to the Governor-General and Lady Alice Tergusson for the keen and practical interest, "thev have taken to procure suitable films for children." was a special remit carried with acclamation.