SECOND-RATE FILMS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20982, 10 March 1938, Page 8

SECOND-RATE FILMS

EFFECT ON MINDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE A VIGOROUS INDICTMENT BV relegraon—Press Association NEW PLYMOUTH, March 9. A vigorous indictment of the effect of second-rate foreign films on the minds of the young people of New Zealand was made at the National Conference of the New Zealand Justices of the Peace at New Plymouth this morning by Mr W. H. Woodward, S.M. He recommended that the conference should give serious consideration to the question of film censorship with a view to overcoming a serious social evil. Mr Woodward emphasised that Justices were chosen for their experience and sagacity, and a trust was placed In them by their fellow-citizens, therefore they represented the mature common sense of the country, and were probably more entitled than anyone else to express an opinion on matters of national importance. “Is it desirable that the youth of the community, when they go out for entertainment at night, should be transported into an unreal country where very low standards are held up?” Mr Woodward asked, when dealing with a certain class of film that was prevalent. “Money is shown as a god, gunmen as heroes, love is debased, and the ideal of womanhood is represented by grimacing hussies.” An entirely false impression of life and citizenship was given, “sob-stuff" being alternated with false heroics. This could not possibly be for the good of young people, and he thought a much stricter censorship of films was required to ensure that such pictures were not represented as ideals for the youth of New Zealand. Most of the delegates present had families of their own, said Mr Woodward, and they must be particularly interested in the menace. It might be said, in fact he was certain it would be said, that Justices should mind their own business, and that this was outside their scope. He refuted any ruch suggestions. Justices of the Peace were also citizens, and as such they were entitled to take a full interest in the welfare of the community, which was certainly their business. An assurance was given Mr Woodward that tire importance of the subject was fully appreciated, and that after the order-paper had been dealt with, the conference would discuss the matter fully and do all in its power to remedy the present state of affairs.