“TE KOOTI ” TRAIL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1927, Page 3

“TE KOOTI ” TRAIL

FI EM HEED IP BY CENSOR. WILAKATANE, Nov. 19

Considerable indignation is expressed by Wliakatane Films, Ltd., owing to the censor holding up the T’e Kooti Trail iilm.

Telegrams were despatched to Wellington with a view to having the film released in time to lill all Auckland engagement to-morrow night. A reply was received from Mr Illicitly, AI.P., stating that the authorities ‘were anxious that the lilm should not offend any .Maori susceptibilities, and consequently it lias been seen by Sir Alaui Pomare and other Maori members. Members of the Rinata Church have asked to he allowed to see the Him before its release. They will arrive in AYellington on Friday. A meeting of directors of the company this afternoon decided to telegraph to Mr lioekly emphatically objecting to natives viewing the lilm, as it was considered grossly unfair to allow the censor to lie inlluenced. and insisting on the withdrawing of the lilm until the company could he represented at Wellington. The following telegram was also sent to Mr Coates: —" Film To Kooti Trail held up by censor for criticism hv representatives of Maoris. Company strongly object to censor allowing his judgment to lie inlluenced. particularly without the company being represented. New Zealand lilm production is- seriously menaced by such unfair action. Serious linalicial loss and historic interest at stake. Please do not allow viewing hv anyone without the company being represented. Wo consider censorship confidential and entirely in the hands of the tensor. Please see that our interests are protected.”