CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2863, 30 August 1916, Page 6

CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

" MR. W. JOLLIFFE APPOINTED. The Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. W. Russell) announced yesterday that Mr. William Jolliffe, for many, years Crown Law Draughtsman, has been appointed by the Government to the nosition- of censor of kinomatograpu nWs, Ms period as law draughtsman having expired. The censor's, work will bo dona wholly at Wellington. A building suitable for the purpose is now being completed, and the Government plant, which belongs to tho Agricultural Department, will bo employed for tho purpose. Under the Act, no picture can be exhibited, after October 1, unless it has been approved by the censor, but as the bringing into force of this would mean the closing down of a very .large number of theatres throughout the Dominion, 'the Minister has determined on issuing a general approval'of all films on circuit at that date, reserving tho right to call in for censorship any picturo regarding which information is received that it is of doubtful character. In tho meantimo importers and owners of films will be required to forward lists of all films owned by them, whether held in stock or out on circuit. They will also bo required to forward the censor lists" of all films imported after the issue of the regulations, and no film imported after tho regulations are issued may be exhibited unless it is approved by the censor. After the censor has viewed films lift will'prepare his report on every one. He may approve a film in its entirety, or be may approve it partially. A film that is only partially approved will be so marked as to indicate the portions that must be excised. This having been done, the film will be returned to fts owner, who will be required to make the alterations demanded by the censor, and return the film to the censor for review, in order that the censor may assure himself that the required excisions have been made. .There will be a board of appeal of three suitable persons. They will _be appointed by tho Minister, but it is intended that" one of the three shall bo nominated by the film proprietors, a condition being that they shall not nominate a man connected with any film business. •