CENSORSHIP OF PICTURE FILMS

New Zealand Tablet, 15 June 1916, Page 25

CENSORSHIP OF PICTURE FILMS

(From our Wellington correspondent.) The Catholic Federation, whicn was the convener of a conference last December on the sub jest of censorship of cinema films, received word recently from the Minister of Internal Affairs to the effect that, owing to the present being a war session, it would be impossible to introduce tne promised legislation on the subject. As the matter is considered by all sections of the community to be one of urgent necessity, another conference was held on Thursday night in St. Patrick’s Hall. Councillor G; Frost was voted to the chair. He outlined what had already been done in the matter, and said that the Minister appeared to be heartily in sympathy with the movement, but there seemed to be some doubt if the legislation sought would be put through this session. Mr. J. J. L. Burke, chairman of the executive of the Catholic Federation, moved that a deputation from the meeting should again wait on the Minister and ask him to proceed this session with legislation providing for the censorship of films. Mr. J. C. Webb (Wellington Educational Institute) seconded the motion. In stressing the urgency of the matter, lie said that surely what they sought could be termed war legislation. The censorship of films was a most urgent matter, and he thought that some of those in the room did not know exactly how urgent it was. Mr. G. Girling-Butcher (secretary of the Catholic Federation) gave an instance of how one peculiarly objectionable portion of a film had to be cut out of a picture exported from America for exhibition in the Dominion. He said he knew that the Government had prepared legislation in regard to the censorship, and if the Bill went through the House, as it undoubtedly would, it would only take about half an hour. Then no film could be shown without having first been passed by a board of censors. Six million feet of films were imported into the Dominion every year, and a very small percentage on, say, every 1000 feet, would cover the expense caused by the establishment of the proposed board. In this matter domestic legislation was absolutely necessary. The minds of the children were becoming debased, and the morals of the people generally were becoming degraded. The films shown in Wellington were nothing to those shown in the-country districts. The Wellington picture proprietors feared public opinion, and would not dare to show such films as were exhibited in the backblocks. * The necessity of the matter is so obvious,’ he added, * and means of regulation so simple and plain, that the Minister cannot deny us the right of legislation this session.’ He went on to say that educationists and others interested were in agreement that the present system of letting children out night after light to attend picture shows was undoubtedly eating into the morals of the young people. He said that in America five of the leading companies had, through their attorneys, signed a brief on the subject containing the following: The production of vicious pictures is constantly increasing just because they are more profitable. If the industry is to endure, if decent people are to stay in the business, this cancer must be cut out. A Federal Regulating Commission should prove a fearless surgeon, and we therefore favor such a commission.’ ‘ I have attended picture shows/ concluded Mr. GirlingButcher, ‘ until I am heartily sick of the disgusting and degrading things I have seen.’ Mrs. A. R. Atkinson (Society for the Protection of Women and Children) and Mr. W. Allan (Wellington Education Board) also spoke. The motion was carried, and it was decided that all present should' form u deputation to the Minister next day, Messrs. G. Girling-Butcher and J. C. Webb being selected as spokesmen. On Friday morning a large and representative

deputation waited on the Minister for Internal Affairs (Hon. G. W. Russell) in regard to the matter. Mr. Frost introduced the deputation. The Minister, in replying, said that the agitation commenced by the Catholic Federation had already had an excellent result, and had largely wiped out the efforts being made by a certain class of people to exploit the worst side of human nature. On two or three occasions films had been brought under, the notice of the Government, and police reports on the pictures had immediately been obtained. If it was found that the films were objectionable they were shut out. At present war legislation took prominence, but if it was found possible to get through the war legislation as rapidly as it. was hoped, the Government might consider the advisability of considering legislation dealing with other matters. He would give the deputation the assurance that, providing Cabinet was prepared to grant the time for considering the matter, steps would be taken to bring a Bill before Parliament in order that the picture films shown in this country might be put upon a footing whereby, instead of being injurious to the children, they would be for their benefit.