NEW REGULATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1929, Page 3

NEW REGULATIONS

“TALKIE” FILMS. THE BRITISH QUOTA. WELLINGTON, Sept. 23. The Government, keeping in lino with the development’ of the talkie pictures business, submitted to the Governor-General-in-C'ouncil this morn" ing some new regulations to govern lilins, and his Excellency signified his approval. As from October 1 next film exhibitors are required to screen a quota of British films and the proposed regulations contain the machinery provisions necessary to give e licet to the quota. The provisions regulating in the interests of public safety the storage, transport and projection of films are also to be dealt with. It' is stated that the regulations are generally similar t<s, and replace, the regulations previously in force under the Explosives .and Dangerous Goods Amendment Act, 1920, which cease to have effect with regard to cinematograph films on. September 30. The principal alterations are in connection with tile licensing of travelling picture showmen. They may now take out a license covering a number of halls instead of licensing each soparately as under the old regulations. The license fees have also been altered so that the major city theatres pay a larger amount, while the license fees for small country theatres have been reduced. Special provision is. made for the licensing of portable projection machines using a nqn-m----fiammable type of film. This will not be subject to the same restrictions as in tVe case of ordinary film which is a nitro-collulose product and can only bo used under safeguard. In connection with the inspection of theatres provision is made for the inspection of electrical apparatus and equipment by inspectors of electrical wiring appointed under the Electrical Wiremen’s Registration Act. It is stated that the regulations, have been considered and approved by the Advisory Committee appointed under the Act, which consisted of representatives of both the renting and exhibiting sections of the industry under the chairmanship of Mr Page, S.M. Referring to-dav to the new regulations, the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon P. A. do la Perellef stated that some doubt had recently been expressed as to whether a sufficient supply of British talking films would be produced to enable exhibitors to comply with the Act. He had explained to the House of Representatives during the discussion on the Departmental Estimates last weex that he bad recently}; gone.-/into the matter with British Trade Tfeprcsentatives. He had been, assured that the development of the talking pietureff was proceeding apace in Britain, apd it was anticipated that considerably move British films, both talking and silent, than was required by the Act, would be available during the coming year 1 . He had been informed that the first of the British talking pictures released in London some time ago had proved an outstanding success, and that the prospects of the British film industry appeared to be very bright.