IS IT BOYCOTT?

Taranaki Daily News, 30 August 1930, Page 9

IS IT BOYCOTT?

AMERICAN FILM SURPRISE ORDERS TO CEASETSELLING NEW TAXJITION RESENTED ADVICE AGAINST PANIC’ By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Representatives of certain American film corporations have been instructed • to'cease selling pictures in New Zealand as from noon on Thursday. Most people connected with the film industry in Wellington were thrown into a state of excitement to-day when they learned of the receipt of cable messages by American picture corporations’ representatives ordering the immediate cessation of. the sale of films in New Zealand.

Endorsement of this disturbing news was received through other channels during the day. The move, which practically means the boycott of New Zealand as far as American film is concerned, is believed to be an attempt at retaliation against the action of the New Zealand Government in imposing additional taxation on the industry in the Dominion, including 25 per cent. tax on tho net profit made by the exhibitor of all foreign made pictures. A reporter waited on Mr. R. Stewart, secretary of the Motion Picture Distributors’ Association, and sought particulars of the reported disturbance in the industry. Mr. Stewart said it was true that some members of the association bad met that afternoon, .but it was not an “official” meeting of the association and th n xe was nothing to say. However, news of. the.proposed boycott was in free circulation in other quarters. It was known to the Motion Picture Exhibitors’ Association, the secretary of which, Mr. Robertson, was. not inclined to take the news very seriously as there were “such things as contracts to be fulfilled with picture theatre companies and owners.” He thought perhaps that some members, of his association might become panicky,, so he si ni the fel lowing telegram to members: “Please advise exhibitors disregard alarmist statements regarding film, boycctt. Conflict is one of exchanges versus Government. The association is watching the position. Expect all well very soon (official). Robertson.”