CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 18

CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS.

THE QUOTA BILL. •By Xeiegrapu.—Frees Association.) WELLIXGTOX, Tuesday. When the House resumed ibis evening the Prime Minister mo\ed the second •reading of the Cinematograph Films Bill, which he said was designed to give greater encouragement to the film industry in the British Empire. It was desired to increase the knowledge and interest of young people in British scenery and places of historic interest. This was part of an attempt to revive the industry. The matter was raised at the last Imperial Conference, when it was felt that the British people should get together and encourage lilm production within the Empire. Mr. E. J. Howard (Christchurch South) said neither the renters nor the exhibitors wanted the bill. He feared the effect of the bill would be ta reduce the salaries of the picture employees. The film representatives who had appeared before the cominitte had cut out all the clauses that hurt them, until it could now hardly be recognised. All the "sting" had been taken out of it, because it was election year. Mr. A. Harris fWaitemata) ■ said the changes in the hill were not made as the result of political propaganda, but as the result of meticulous investigation on the of the committee. The principle of the bill was sound, since it would teach the children to respect and revere British interests and sentiments. Sir Joseph Ward said there was no demand in Britain for legislation such as this in recent years. He asserted that British films to-aay were better than American "films, and British films were being shown 'in America. Some years ago there was agitation to protect the British film industry, but that was not the position to-day. He adversely criticised the taxation proposals of the bill. The bill was going to heap more taxation on the people, and already, as far as sport and pleasure were concernd, they were taxed to the limit. Mr. G. W. Forbes (Hurunui) said people should be permitted to see what films they wauted to see. It would be just as logical to put a quota upon literature. He did not think the bill would do what was desired. People would go to the pictures they wanted to see, and if British films had the requisite merit people would go to sec them. It would be better to pay a subsidy toward British films. Sir John Luke (Wellington North) supported the bill on account of its British basis. Mr. T. M. Wilford <HutO said the preference formerly eenjoyed by British 51ms over American nlras. in the matter of income tax, had been taken away, as both films were now to be taxed at the rate of 12* per cent. The Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Downie Stewart, said three was still to British filuis under the Customs Act. After Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon (Westlaiid) ind Hon. D. Buddo (Kaiapoi) had T'oken, the Prime Minister replied. The House then went into committee and the Jill was read a third time and passed.