PICTURE CENSORSHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9625, 3 April 1917, Page 3

PICTURE CENSORSHIP

To the Editor “N.Z. Times.” Sir, —As the picture show is a growing source of amusement, entertainment and instruction, the question of procuring suitable films, especially for children, is of increasing importance. I understand that some years ago picture show proprietors approached the Department of Education and offered to supply a children's programme, but they got no encouragement from those who spend the people's money for the education of- their children, and now these same luminaries are showing their authority and want of sense and consideration by an autocratic secret censorship of the films that the picture shows are providing. Goethe once said, “There is no sadder sight than ignorance in action,” and here we have it in ail its quondam ugliness.' Wo affect to despise the agitator; but until a public agitation is got up for some object the powers that be cannot bo moved to action by any process of reasoning or suitable suggestion, and should there bo a suspicion that anyone might get some financial benefit from being public-spirited the smallmindedness and petty arrogance of our legislators is deplorable to witness. When, men entrusted with the people’s welfare can stand in the way of their advancement and enjoyment of life, woe to the nation.

Prom information gathered from film importers—who, like the rest of us, are men of business —I know it to be a fact that they are truly anxious to know what the requirements of the Government really are, but of this they get no hint or indication. The regulations gov. erning the Pilm Censorship Act make no provision requiring the censor or members of the Appeal Board to give their reasons for approving or disapproving a film. Why should such things be? Can we expect tp progress under such slipshod legislation, and is it fair to the public, the picture show proprietors, or to the censors themselves to carry on such hole-.and-corner work under the pretence of attending to the people’s morals? We are smarting under the lash of war, but when we consider that the Government .we have over us is a thing of our own creation it is just possible that we have made the rod that is punishing ns, and thet we are only getting our deserts.— I am, etc.. Wit. BAER.