FILM CENSORSHIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12066, 23 July 1917, Page 4

FILM CENSORSHIP.

LETTER FROM THE MINISTER. As a result of the recant deputation representing various religious nnd "educational bodies to the Hon G. W. B-ws-sol!, Minister of Internal Affairs, the following letter has been received, bj Uev I*. S. Gray, Dunedin:--"Wellington, July 14.—Dear Sir,— I have to acknowledge and thank you for your let tor of the 12th inst.. witt which you have been good Plough to .'■end mo a. ropy of the statement madfc by you at the recent deputation respecting the policy followed in connection with the English censorship ol cinematograph films. T shall immediately take stops in the direction oj having the censorship in New Z?-aluuG excrci:ed along these lines. I. have alsc to thank you for your words of appreciation.—Yours, etc., G. W Russell, Minister of Internal All'airs. ' r l'he mam provisions of the Britisn policy referred to above are That the living figure of Christ should net be permitted, that nudity should not ue passed in any circumstances, that nothing should bo allowed which brought the institution of marriage into contempt, or lowered the ;acrcdness of family ties. Subjects which wounded the susceptibilities of any religious bedy, or stories which picture the progress and surroundings of women leading immoral lives, and scenes showing vice in an attractive form, although followed by retribution, •were -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 thf; agitation express satis, faction that the deputation was so successful.

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