CENSORSHIP OF FILMS AND LITERATURE

Chronicle (Levin), 31 October 1947, Page 3

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS AND LITERATURE

^ CHRISTCHURCH, pct. 30. "Tlie censorship of films and literature is a very diffieulfr. questioii because of the laek of any cleariy defmed and generally accepted standards, ' ' said the report of the Public Questions Conunittee presented to the Presbyterian General Asaembly by ihe eonvener, the Rev. P. G. Hughes. "Botli the Publie Questions Comniittee and the Inter-Church Council on Public Affairs are in touch with various inter-ests involved and hope that sonie agreed plan' may be worked out which will safeguard the true interests of the public, especiolly the young, ' ' he said. "It is true that certain forms of undesirable literature," especially of the periodical type, lind their way into the Dominion and it is also true that vulgarity is a featuro of sonie New Zealand literature. The remedy is not easily found. The polico will institute proceedings if attention is called to publications which are obscene, but there is 110 protection against vulgarity aud olfences against good taste and liner feelings, except in a raising 'of the general staudard. ' '

ONUS ON PAHENTS BKISRANE, Oct. 30. Queensland parents in future will be responsible for seeing that their children do not atteud films classified as unsuitable for juveniles. A Bill providing for this passed the first reading in the Legislative Assemblv. It also providea that films unfit for children may be screened only at uight or on scliool davs. The fllms will be classified either suitable for general exliibition or unsuitable for exhibition to children under 16. Films in the second claHsification will not be shown before 5.30 p.m. on fc>aturdays, public holidays or on any day during . school holidays.