UNCENSORED FILMS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 175, 13 April 1918, Page 12

UNCENSORED FILMS

ISLAND BAY GALA. During the Red Triangle appeal for funds, tlio New Zealand Picture Supplies Company was requested by the Y.M.G.A. to tako pictures of the street scenes and to screen them at the picture theatres to help along the fund. In compliance with this request pictures were taken of the Mayor (Mr. Luke) pushing the indicator of the clock near the Bank cf- New Zealand and of the gala at Island Bay. These pictures were screened without having first passed the censor, and yesterday Artdrew Charles Melvin, manager of Everybody's Theatre, was charged in tho Magistrate's Court, before Mr. S. K. M'Carthy, S.M., with exhibiting two uucensored films.

Mr. A. W. Blair, who appeared for the defendant, stated that the case was a trivial one, and he would formally plead not guilty, although the , facts were admitted." The picture of tho Island Bay gala was taken in tho afternoon, and the 'photographer put up a record in having tho film ready for screening in tho evening. Every effort Vns made to get into touch with Mr. Joliffe, tho film censor, but without success, and, as it was necessary, il! the films wero to serve their purpose, to exhibit them that evening, they wero screened. There was no suggestion that the films wero objectionable, und the censor himself admitted ho would have given permission for tlioir screening had he been communicated with 011 the day in question. Counsel intimated that the whole trouble arose through a rival firm who also endeavoured to take pictures of the incidents. Ho suggested thateundor the circumstances tho caBO should bo dismissed. Inspector Marsack pointed out that it was not tho quality of the picture, which was admitted to he unobjectionable', but the principlo involved, and that should be taken into consideration. Tho Magistrate agreed that a principle was involved, but admitted that tiiero was uo moral guilt against tho defendant, who ivas convicted and ordered to V>me up for sentence when called upon. There was to be no forfeiture of tho films.