MOVING PICTURE FILMS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 272, 11 August 1921, Page 4

MOVING PICTURE FILMS

PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS. Film-renters and exhibitors in the North Island met in the Central Chamber of Commerce hall yesterday, and decided to protest to the Government against the proposal to insist on the showing of 25 per cent, of British films by each exhibitor, also against the proposal to place an adverse tax on foreign film with a preference to British film. Air E. J. Righton was voted to the chair. The patriotic standpoint was introduced by one or two speakers, but the majority considered that this aspect should not be consider-id. . It was resolved to form an association of the film interests, including- renters and showmen, and a provisional executive rx-ten .showmen and five renters was elected to carry the resolutions into elfeet. , .... A discussion arose as to whether joining the association should be left to the option of showmen. A strong feeling favoured compelling all exhibitors to ioin tho association, whether Milling to de so or not. One exhibitor, however pointed out that as the meeting had list passed a resolution protesting against any coercion by the Government as to what brand of film should be used, it would hardly do to force showmen to join the association. The motion favouring compulsory membership was eventually passed, with only tiro dissentients. It was left to the executive to name the sanctions or penalties for failure to join.