THE CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2875, 13 September 1916, Page 6

THE CENSORSHIP OF FILMS

FORECAST OF REGULATIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, September 12. Regarding the State censorship of cinema- films, the Hon. Gt. W. Russell, who controlled the administration of the Act dealing with the matter, stated that the regulations had been completed. These were passed by the Execntive Council yesterday, and would bo gazetted this week. Provision had been made for the establishment of a. Board of Appeal, consisting of three persons, who would be appointed shortly. They will be empowered by a majority of two of their number to decide , 011 any point in tho appeals of owners against the censorship of their film. 'If the appeal is upheld the fee will be returned. Strong representations had been made to tho Minister urging' tho appointment of at least one woman to the Appfitil Board, but as the censorship deals with the questions of decency and suggostivenoss of films, Mr. Russell decided that it is better that women should not be on the hoard. Tho whole objoct of the censorship is to oncourago proprietors to obtain films that will not need censoring. He "believes that after experience this desirable result will ultimately be achieved. The regulations provide for the following scale of fees: First, for examination by the censor, a fee of os. for the first thousand feet or part thereof; second, 2s. 6d. for every sUoft. after the first thousand; third, tlie same fee will bo charged for ro-oxam-ination of'censored films after excision by the owners on the'censor's instructions ; fourth, on appeal there will be a fee up to 10s. per 1000 ft., ■ with a minimum charge of 30s. for each film. Provision has also been made for urgency examinations within forty-eight lioui'6, in which cases a small additional fee will be charged. Tho Minister jsays that, from information ho has received, he is absolutely satisfied of .the need of censorship. The .Act provides that all films must bo submitted for censoring after October 1, but, in order to avoid hardship and confusion, films on circuit at that timo will not be called in unless complaint is made against them.

Tho regulations to which tho Minister refers ia his statement in Dunedin were gazetted last night. They contain nothing of consequence Slot covered by Mr. Russell, except the clause defining the duties of the censor. It is provided that after examining a film the censor shall either (a) approve the film and issue liis certificate of approval in respect thereof; or (b) approve the film subject to a condition that it may ,bo exhibited only to a. specified class or to specified classes of persons; or (c) refuse his-approval of the film either absolutely or until sucli alterations as lie directs have been made therein. Oil being satisfied that the,required alterations have been made in any film, the censor shall issue his certificate of approval iu respect thereof.