MOVING PICTURES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 31, 1 November 1920, Page 4

MOVING PICTURES

REPORT OF EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE.

Tho special committee set up by the 1020 Conference of the New Zealand Educational Institute to report to the executive during the recess on tu». subject of "Movin" Pictures in Relation to the Physical, Mental, and Moral Effect on Children " has concluded its inquiries. In approaching the subject the committee decided to obtain, by means of a questionnaire, a poll of representative opinion from local bodies, church societies, labour unions, educational and social organisations medical associations, magistrates,' and individual members of the community. The form of the questionnaire was as' follows:— Do you consider— 1. That moving pictures, as at present shown, have an injurious effect upon cMldren and young people, and if so, in what wavF ■ . 2. That children attend pictures too frequently? ". S, That the standard of pictuHj shown would bo elevated toy any of the following means:—(a) Stricter censorship. (In tins connection is.a woman censor advisable?) (b) Municipal control, (c) Government control, through Education Depnrtnil.Mit, of pictures for children, (d) Classification of picture films into (i.) adult programme, (if.) school children programme. The committee is of the opinion Mint the moving picture may be made a strong force ini educational, social, ami similar development, but condemns the demoralising effect on tho young of the present conditions under which children nre _(n) Continually shown pictures of unsuitable and demoralising themes; (bl frequently falcon out until late hours at night; (c) congregated in vitiated atmosphere for considerable periods. TV committee recommends:— 1. That programmes bo classili'cd, and that children under 14 years be not allowed to attend other than "junior" programmes. 2. That suitable programmes be issued through th'.; Education Department. 3. That pictures be shown, when |k>ssible. in school buildings, and when this is not practicable in ordinary picture theatres during daylight hours. +. That in fcfen interests of adolescents and in the upraising of popular tnshj the censorship 'be stricter and more diserim- | inating.

ii. That a board of consors, to include (i woman nnd a representative of teacher*, be vstahlishod.

G. That the censorship lie extended to posters nnd advertisements.