AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1926, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cablo Association.] CENSORSHIP OF FILMS. MELBOURNE, March 25. Tin* picture censors in their report to the Minister of Trade and Customs, slate Unit during the past year 1703 films, comprising 5,572.1)00 feet were imported into the Commonwealth. The total importations of all copies v.as 24,021,000 feet valued at £181,078 of which £173.491 worth came front the United Slates, £0875 from Britain and £1,312 from other eountris. Sixtyl iglit films were rejected and eliminations were made in 371 films, mainly feature films. Duty amounted to £130,000.

The censors state that in their work they keen in their minds the needs and wishes of the normal adult, person. They do not iis a. rule censor wliafc the parents of children have in mind, though occasionally the effect of the film is likely to have on a child’s mind is taken into account. The censors are of tho opinion that a solution of the problem must be along the linos of classification. They declare that there cannot be the slightest doubt that many films which tho censors pass must do harm to the child mind. The time has arrived when tlioso interested should get together and determine what ought to be done. The censors think it would be a great mistake to bring tho art of motion pictures down to th? level of a child's entertainmeni. OLD COLONIST DEAD. SYDNEY, March 2(5. Ohtiifary.—Peroival Johnston, aged ftl. He visited New Zealand in the sixties and served as Parliamentary secretary to Sir George Grey. Later lie had charge of tho financial side of the construction of the first New Zealand railway.