FILM CENSORSHIPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9721, 25 July 1917, Page 8

FILM CENSORSHIPS

DRASTIC PROPOSALS BRITISH POLICY TO BE FOL- , LOWED. As a result of the recent deputation representing various religious and educational bodies to the Hon. O. W. Bussell, Minister for Internal Affairs, the following letter has . been received by the Bov. B. S. Gray, Dunedin: —

“Wellington, July- 14th.—Dear sir, —I have to acknowledge and thank you for your letter of the 12th Inst., with winch you have been good enough to send me a copy of the statement made by yoir at- the recent deputation respecting the policy followed in connection with tho English censorship of cinematograph films. I shall immediately take steps in tho direction of having the censorship in Ncw_Zcaland exercised along these lines. I have also to thank you for your words of appreciation.—Yours, etc., G. W. Bussell, Minister for Internal Affairs.’’ _ The main provisions of the British policy referred to above are:—That the living figure of Christ should not bo permitted, that nudity should not be passed in any circumstances, that nothing should be allowed which brought tho institution of marriage into contempt, or lowered the sacredness of family ties. Subjects which wounded the susceptibilities of any religious body, or stories which picture th(i progress and surroundings of women leading immoral lives, and scenes showing vice in an attractive form, although followed by retribution, wore also objected to; and indecorum of dress, which seemed to be meant to suggest indecency or immorality, was condemned. The local men and women .who participated in the agitation express satisfaction that the deputation, was so successful.

The committee appointed by the recent conference in the City Council Chambers reports having conferred with the members of the Combined Picture Theatres Association on the question of providing specially censored entertainments for young people. No definite conclusions have yet been reached, but the. picture managers have expressed their opinion to do all within their power to meet the wishes of the committee. They have the various proposals under consideration, with a view to formulating some practicable scheme.