CENSORSHIP.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1442, 17 May 1912, Page 8

CENSORSHIP.

COUNCIL AND PICTURE SHOWSPOWER DEMANDED. AN INTERESTING DISCUSSION.. The question of censorship of picture shows caino before the City Council last night on the proposal of the Legislation Committee to forward the following remit to tho Local Government Conference:— That an amendment be made in tho Municipal Corporation Act, 1908, empowering borough councils to make bylaws for the regulation of kinemntogrnph and other picture shows and exhibitions. In response to Councillor Fuller's demand for an explanation, Councillor Atkinson said this was a general clause. Tho committee felt satisfied of the need of some stricter supervision than was at present exercised. Councillor Fletcher: Do you mean a censorship? Councillor Atkinson: Certainly there should be power for regulation, so that we could say "That thing is not fit and shall not bo shown." The committee, felt that those who were running picture shows ought to be glad of some protection of this kind,-because at present the films were rushed upon them so that often the first time they saw them was on the screen at the show. They needed protection as much as tho public. Councillor Fuller said the clause looked very innocent, but when examined it would 'be seen to have subtle meanings that struck at people's liberties. It could be inado to take in boxing exhibitions and other exhibitions. Councillor Atkinson had said there was need for regulation, but what he really meant was a. censorship. That was a, rather nasty, word to get on to the public, and so he said regulation. There had been no public demand for this thing. Tho letters in the papers might have been a matter of arrangement, ;md no definite indication had been given as to what was objected to. Probably councillors did not realise that there was a picture show public of some 15,000 in Wellington, and the present motion was it reflection on these people. Picture shows were really regulated by the taste and judgment of tho public. The council .already had ample power to withdraw a license if an improper entertainment were given. Did nothing but pictures require regulating? What of the press? The Mayor: I shall have to regulata 3-011, Councillor Fuller! Councillor Fuller said it would be as proper to regulate newspapers and public speakers as pictures. If they wanted to protect children, then should advocate a law for keeping children off the street after 8 p.m. Councillor M'Kenzio opposed the remit on the ground that the matter should be dealt with by the national Govern-: ment, because the same pictures went to all parts of the Dominion. The stage, including vaudeville, should bo censored too.

The Mayor (Mr. D, M'Laren) said there was no intention to attack the proprietors of picture theatres, but such regulation as proposed had been found necessary, in other countries, especially as a protectum to the young. The remit was adopted.