Censorship

“Free-For-All”

Censorship Comes To An End On Niue

A CURIOUS old custom called censoring has come to an end on Niue. Censoring was a public exhibition, for the purpose of censorship, of films brought to Niue for screening in public theatres.

Originally only Europeans went to censoring, for the films had already been censored in New Zealand. In those days, the films were shown at the chief of

police’s residence.

But when 35 mm films were introduced, censoring had to be done in a hall, and as time passed, more and more Niueans went to these showings. Eventually the stage was reached when, on censoring nights, the Europeans had their dinners placed on the table early so that their Niuean housegirls could go to the censor ing—and the Europeans stayed home.

However, all that is finished now.

The film censors had expressed growing concern at the number of Europeans and Niueans attending

censorship performances without

restriction, other than a lower age limit of 18 years, irrespective of race.

The chief of police stated in a recent public notice that un restricted attendances had reached

a stage beyond all reasonable limits and practical control.

He said that censorship of films on Niue was farcical and an evasion of the law, as people at tending unrestricted censorship performances between March 19 and June 11 saw one film which was subsequently totally banned and two that were partially banned for public showing.

In future, therefore, films are to be seen only by the censor before they are shown in public.

And to take the place of the censoring showing, an additional weekly picture night has been authorised for the film exhibitor.

This extra showing is for English speaking members of the com munity. Niuean translations by a commentator are not allowed.