1928-09-11 — Page 3

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INDIAN FILMS REPORT.

POPULARITY OF NATIVE

PRODUCTIONS.

COMMITTEE PRAISE GENERAL INFLUENCE OF CINEMA.

PROGRESS OF BRITISH

PICTURES.

The outlines of the key proposal for a Government of India Cinema Bureau with a mainly Indian non- official advisory committee

werd

given by our Simla Correspondent,

THE

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th, 1928.

SARAWAK "TRADĖ.

FAVOURABLE BALANCE

MAINTAINED.

A YEAR OF QUIET PROSPERITY,

NILE WATER.

J

IRRIGATION CONSULTA- TIONS IN LONDON.

OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO

together with an indication of the dissent of the three European members from the recommendations of the three, Indian members that

The total valuo'of Sarawak foreiga Jadian producers should be assist. ed by public loans, that public trade during 1027 was $72,415,000, badies should be authorized to and the balance in value of exports finance the opening of cinema halls, over imports was $27,013,000, re- and that à progressive quota system ports "the State Commissioner of

was n for Indian films should be estab-Trade and Customs. There w

decrease of 85.247,000 in the total British Fims In India.

value of foreign imports and ex- porty, as compared with 1989. Ex-these schemes. tracts from the report are givan

below:

#

EGYPT.

EXPRESS HITS MOTOR LORRY."

WOMEN'S ESCAPES.

TWO MEN KILLED.

Cambridge, August' lith.. Vast irrigation projects which

Two men were killed and a mean much to the future of Egypt hied was seriously scalded when are being discussed between the the 10 am, London express from Foreign Office and Ibrahim Bey Cambridge struck a lorry at the Fahmi, the Egyptian Minister of Shepreth accommodation level cross- ing, on the London and North- Public Works," who came to Eng Eastern Railway, seven miles from

Cambridge,

land last month in furtherance of

The dead are: Richard Henry Brown, aged as,. fireman of the express, of Suez- road, Cambridge; and Leonard Sparkes, aged 21, driver of the lorry, of Mill-rgad, Cambridge."

The proposal of plans for develop ing the cinematograph industry inished. India, and the rejection of sugges tions that special encouragement The reasons given by the Com- should be given to the exhibition mittee for not recommending action of films produced within the Em-on the dines of the resolution of pire, are the outstanding lentares the Imperial Conference Favouring of the report of the Indian Cine- special preference or encouragement nutograph Committee.

for films produced within the Empire The growth of the trade in im-

are that the "indigenous industry total imported now being practically now in view are fully carried iatow. Williams, aged 52, of Hills- ported films in India in the last should be encouraged in every way; three years has been remarkable. that the non-Indian grip on the In 1925-98 roughly 14,000,000 ft. of industry should be removed; and films were imported into India. Init is no good to India to sub- the following year 17,500,000 ft.stituto artifically one class of non- were received, and in the 12 months Indian film for another." The ended March 31st last the figure chances are slight of Indian films had grown to 29,750,000 ft. There finding a market in the West equal is a substantial industry, chiefly in

to that which Empire. films can ad Bombay and to some extent in Cal-

in India. cutta, in producing parsly Indian

The report takes note of the films; and in Rangoon a good num-

danger of estranging foreign film- ber of Burmese films are made. The Committee find that Indian producing countries (Amerien alere | provides fur-fifths of the imports) films are ordinarily more popular

and makes the observation that no with Indian audiences than Western films, although educated Indians artificial aid is needed to advance complain that Indian fims are in the British Gim trade in the coun- India is already taking an ferior in technique and artistry.

As yet the cinema habit has bare-ant of British films which, in le reached the rural population, foportion to the output. is sub stantial. The old and strong senti- ment and connections of commerce supplied with electrical power sta.south of Khartoum, and the raising smashed. The first coach toppled

The precise significance of the present irrigation policy of the Rice, the largest imports, shows Egyptian Government is indicated further increase this year of by the fast that, when the plans $1,600 piruls valued at 8553,000, the

The driver of the express, Fred Cer-effect, the cultivated area of Egypt avenus, Cambridge, was scalded by 433,000 picule of 23.000 tona, tain recommendations have been

He is in Cambridge Infirmary in'a made for the importation of rice will be increased by some two mil-steam from the overturned engine.. planters from other countries to lion acres. Instead of 5 million serious condition. Several passen. demonstrate improved methods of there will then be million acres gars complained of minor injuries. cultivation in suitable outstations and for the increased planting of of cultivated land, yielding two or cassava throughout the State as an

three crops every year. additional foodstuff and substitute for rice in times of scarcity. These proposals are still the subject of in vestigation..

which constitutes about 90 per cent. of India's 320 millions. The num- ber of cinema-houses in British India is approximately 300, and it

b:tween

the

Kerosene And Power Stations Kerosene oil imports totalled. 1:0,020 cases valued at $820,000, nearly 12,000 cases and 891.800 more than in the previous year. In this connection it is interesting to note that the value of electrical goods

four

In the complete scheme great works are involved, but for the time being only two are being proceeded with, and the Minister of Public Works has already ob- tained preliminary estimates trom several engineering firms.

A Sudan Dam.

The two works which will be first and apparatus imported increased by $37,000, though the value of oil- lamps decreased by $10,000, point- undertaken each involve an ing to an increased use of kerosene

motor launches and in coagula-penditure of approximately three tion of jelutong being offset by the million pounds. They are the con- decrease in its use in Kuching,struction of a dam at Gebel Aulia, Sibu. Miri and other places now

tions for lighting purposes.

of the Assuan Dam by. 13 ft. A countries give j two

Imports of motor cars and lorries British Alms a distinct advantage were valued at $180,000.. some much greater dam at Gebel Aulia in India. The report heartily $50,000 more than in the previous was at one time contemplated, but

the exchange of Empire year while the value of accessories

The express was travelling at about 60 miles an hour when the lorry, heavily laden with lime, tried Cross to the works of the East Anglian Cement Company,. Ltd. The engine struck it just be- hind the driver's cab, carried it 30ft., and threw it, an unrecognis able mass of wreckage, to the side of the line.

"Like Drunken Man.''

The train, covered from end to end with a thick dust of lime, then carecced along the track, in the words of an eye-witness, like drunken man." It stopped with the engine on its side, facing in the

which it had come.

opposite direction to that from

One hundred yards of the track was torn up, and a horse box next to the tender was completely

over on to the engine, the second

two canted over at an angle of

fell on to its side, and the other

de

is estimated that only about 60 of them are in the Indian States. Daims of educational merit suggested for these vehicles fell in value by an the idea has been practically aban-firm of Messrs. Waller and Wood-

be more

approves

countries,

approximate aniount.

Increased Prosperity.

manufactures of iron and steel and in opium, and, cloth, these returns relect a year of increased pros Perity for the State as a whole, owing to an augmented population argely composed of "peaceful and agriculturally employed immigrants

the same ratio to population there by the Imperial Conference, with would not

than Ave the remark that India stands to cinemas in the London County gain a great deal, on account of

It may be taken therefore that, the vast illiteracy of the country,

except for considerable decreases in Council area, nor more than eight by having more films from the Em-thefuc of machinery and other. in Greater London." But the pire and other parts of the world unlettered Indian pensant is by no showing conditions of life in those means deficitut in his wish to excape at times by way of "Eve Gate" from the monotony of daily life. The cinema could, indeed, lay a valuable part in promoting adult education and the principles of health and other nation building qualities in India, as the Committee fully realize.

31

The Cinema Habit.

How is it, then, that there are so few picture-houses in India! The Committee state that in the larger towns, and in those smaller towns where there is a good pro-

doned owing to its enormous cost. As the site of Gebel Aulia is in the Sudam, and outside the terri- tory of the Egyptian Government, this proposal naturally involves considerable consultation with the British Government, more especial- yeas it may affect the water supply in the immediate neighbourhood. from China.

Plantation rubber increased in The question of the compensation

to a total of 168,140 piculs, or volume of export by 22.500 piculs due has been much discussed in the 11,200 tons. In spite of this in-

past and has been again raised crease, occasioned by further con- during the presen: visit of Fahmi siderable areas of native holdings Bey. The presence of Lord Lloyd coming-into-bearing during the year, the production decreased in and of Sir John Maffey, Governor. value from 816,073,000 by 8574,000, General of the Budan, was of con siderable assistance to the Govern to approximately $18,500,000,

ment in the negotiations.

are

80

waste water for Egypt's irrigation purposes. It is, how- ever, a serious engineering under. taking, which will take fifteen years to complete.

The chapter devoted to "secial aspects and control" shows keen enlousy for the good name of India, and is of profound interest. Censorship, which should in future be directed by a Central Board to be located in Bombay, is held to pave been worked fairly well in the past, though the machinery is des Fribed ns capable of much improve- ment. The Committee take strong exception_to_the_complaints fre quently made that. The general effect of Western films in Indin is evil. It is stated that. the great majority of films certified for

There was a 'small increase in the public exhibition in no way tends

Conserving The Water, to demoralize the Indian public or volume of sago four exported,

Apart from the Assuan Dam and to bring Western civilization into which amounted to 205,600 picais or 15,800 tons, but the total value Time and contempt,

education, portion of students of of the the latter partly to be supplied by

our largest in Gebel Aulia projects, two engineer- of this export, industrial labouring classes, the ex- the cinèma itself, are the best volume, also decreased by overing works of considerable magni- tude are contemplated at a more hibition of films is ordinarily a remedies for any misunderstand $18,000 to 21,543,000,

Owing to abnormal market çondi. distant date. These are the drain- "Sudd" where the paying concern, but that many of ings that may arise. The fact that

tions the value of the exports of ing of the the police evidence is unanimous

white pepper increased by 8837,000, White Nile has its source, and the the mofusril (up-country); ex-in saying that the cinema does not

the production only increasing by erection of a barrage at the exit hibitors are having a hard fight for incite to erime is described as

piculs. Black pepper also of the river from Lake Albert it- existence: The causes of this dis-proof of the soundness of the 1,100,

canon of censorship for criminal shows an increase of some $31,000 self. The Sudd" region is a causes the waters to spread over crepancy are partly económic, propensities and of its adequate in value on a small rise of 300 odd peculiar feature of the Nile, which partly due to the novelty of the enforcement. Most of the critic-piculs in exports.

It may therefore confidently be a vast ares. The evaporation and cinema habit, and partly to in-in of the censorship has been of

general nature and much of it assumed that, though the drop of infiltration which result experience in the exhibitors. Very ill-informed, having its origin five million dollars represents some great that the amount of water often the mofussit exhibitor is outside India, and coming from 7 per cent, of the total value of the reaching Assuan is only half that The scheme is to handicapped by the heavy rent he persons" who were either not con- volume of our foreign trade, this which passes Mongolia near the has to pay for his hail. There is versant with Indian conditions or is no cause for alarm, but that the Nile's source.

past year has. for producers, can build a canal" some hundreds of a notable absence of circuits, and who had fixed convictions not based Trade propaganda has

sumers and dealers alike been one. kilometres long, which, it is cal the distribution system is insuf-on facts,

of normal progress in relation to the culated, would preserve cost of source of criticism." ñciently organized. Travelling been

world's markets which cannot but, this Nevertheless the Committee see cinemas are few, and the Com

be regarded as satisfactory. mittre recommend an amendment room for improvement in certain of the law so as to provide the directions. The censorship might be grant to these cinemas of an ex- tightened up in such matters as hibitor's licence which, subject to scenes showing passionate love- certain safeguards, shall be current making, or drinking bouts, or scenes through the entire province. They suggesting impropriety, and so on. also propose that in provines. Such scenes tend to demoralize where the entertainments tax is impressionable youth of a races levied seats costing less than one and countries." The cumplaint that ruper (1a. d.) should be exempt- too much delicacy is shown to come ed. The limit is high, considering munal, racial, politiel, and even how very cheap the seats must be colour considerations is, in the view if the necessarily frugal peasant of the Committee, not altogether

Copra, a comparatively modern is to be attracted. Two annas ill-founded. They do not betiere, (d) spent on indoor amusement for instance, that a historical film product of the State in any con- would seem to him an extravagance. picturing incidents, say, of the siderable volume, and one which

shows promise of great increase in in the price of rubber which so From one point of view the re- French Revolution, will incite any

the near future, maintained an ex- largely affects our native popula

tion, without the heavy overhead ports of the home producing in ordinary member of an Indian audi-

port of some 20,000 piculs. dustry are encouraging. Indian ence to attempt to overthrow the

Canes show an increase of 300,000 charges of these under European films are very profitable, and even Government. The idea that a film indifferent ones vield a fair margin should be banned merely because in number valued at $13,000 more management,, it still pays them to than in 1928. First quality rattans work their own' plantations; while, of prost. But the Committee hold the subject matter may by over-

have decreased by 1,800 picula with our other more prominent in- out little hope of future expansion subtle analogy be interpreted as unless there is improvement in all having reference to current ques valued at 877,000 while export of dustry, ango, eccditions for the pro- the lower grades has increased by ducers are not unsatisfactory, while both with this and pepper there is branches of technique. It is shown tions should be deprecated. A too that conditions for alm production great sensibility on the part of the 1,600 piculs valined $108,000, us

ration in the second and third are favourable. The cost of pro- censor or the administrative officers against 308,000 during previous ample evidence of increased culti- duction is low, and there is an to frivolous objections is more likely year.

The production of oil at Miri divisions.

The oil-fields at Miri may be abundance of magnificent scenery to encourage undesirable discussion

continued on a considerable scale, and of Oriental settings which can than to discourage undesirable ten though the total value of the com- taken as a thing quite apart from only be reproduced in the West at dencies, great expense.. Production is, how.. It is pointed out that no small pany's exports there decreased by the trade of the State as affecting ever, hedged in by a number of amount of, the existing criticism 31,628,000 on that given for 1826. the native population. peculiar limitations, notably the arises not from actual acquaintance Exports of benzine increased by crease or decrease of production or limitations of the market. An with a given film, but from the dis- 3,400 tons and crude gil by 53,700 the refinement of the product to creases in value, large as they are Indian film which makes a good turbing suggestion of posters. The tons. while kerosene decreased by this or that type of fuel or lubricant appeal in one part of the country posters need stricter control, but 15,000 tons and liquid fuel by with consequent increases or de- in proportion to the whole trade of often does not appeal in another, pre-censorship would be adminis-114,500 tons.

the country, have no effect on them "owing to differences of culture and tratively difficult and most încon customs. There are also linguistic venient to the trade. It is proposA review of these statistics leads other than there would be in the and communal differences, and the ed that the magistracy or police one again to the opinion that it unlikely event of the closing down latter make the production of his should be given power to direct has been a year. of quiet prosperity of the field, when a few hundred. Toronto very delicate any objectionable poster to be reas, in spite of a considerable drop might be thrown temporarily nut

of employment. (Continued on next Soluma). ffair

moved forthwith The Time

Features Of Export Trade. Exports of damar daging deereas- ed by some 370, piculs and 838,000. in value. Mata Kuching, however, showed a small increase of 300 picals, and the volume of export of damar darat and laut increased by. 3,500 piculs. The grading of these articles is improving locally and markets outside Singapore are being found for our product.

Native Rubber Faying.

During the work on the "Sudd" the Egyptian Government wil proceed with the investigation of the problem presented by the Lake. Albert dam. This dara, according to present calculations, will raise the level of Lake Albert by 30 ft. It involves an expenditure rough- ly estimated at £1,000,000.

The in-

Mr. S. Waller, partner in the

ham, whose. nurseries face the line. at Shepreth, said:

There was a terrific crash. Flames from the lorry and clouds of lime, steam and smoke shot 30ft. into the air. I saw the wain coming along the line awery. ing like a drunken man.

The engine suddenly turned completely round, .toppled on to its side, and lay in a cloud of steam and smoke. A horse calm. Ty walked out of the wreckage of its box, unhurt except for a few scratches.

Driver Trapped.

The driver was thrown clear of the engine and was found crouch. ing by the fence. I took him to Cambridge Hospital-He kept on saying all the way, Is it my fault and I reassured him. Mr. Charles Thurley, who rescued the driver, said: **His foot was pinned down hy a fence which had been torn up by the engine, and a jet of scalding, steam from a tap in the engine I could not was striking him. get to him at first because of the steam. He said, "Pull me out,, mate," and I managed it the second time.

The first thing he said when fl got him out was, "Where's my mate t "His mate WIS half- buried in coal, and he was dead when we got him out. The driver wanted to help, but we would not let him.

I saw two nuns and another woman in a coach which had nearly toppled over. The door was locked. I broke the glass and Ricked the door" in. They were badly shaken.

Dr. W. J. Young, of Harston. was one of the first on the rescue work. He took Miss Sotheras, of Corfe Castle, Dorset, to a Cam- bridge nursing home. He said:

She told me that a hole was knocked in the floor of her ear- riage. When it toppled over she clambered out unassisted through this hole.."

.

Woman Rescuer. Mr. G. Dockrill, of Melbourn, said that the driver of the lorry was thrown out of his cab to the line. He added:

He was all in flames when I got to him. A woman passenger threw her coat over him and we took his to a siding, where she rubbed him with oil. We cut his clothing off him as soon as we could. He was terribly burned about the legs, face, bands and beck, and I knew he could not live long.

Romance-Thrills—Glamour—Surprise!]

AT THE

NEW YORK

RICARDO CORTEZ, LOIS WILSON, ESTELLE TAYLOR, WILLIAM POWELL. NORMAN TREVOR

a Garamount Picture

ADOLAN KUXOR 100 JESDE & LASKY,

TO-DAY & TO-MORROW

At

QUEEN'S A 2.0, 5.10, 7.15 & 9.20.

INDIA'S First Important Contribution

to the Screen !-

THE

LIGHT OF ASIA

Gorgeous

AT THE

Massive

WORLD

Spectacular

Authentic.

TO-DAY & TO-MORROW

Orchestra 5.15 & 9.20

ROMANCE AND COMEDY.

--in a delightful story of the adventures of a charming crook who boasted he had never lost a hand at poker until-? - See what happened in-

Interpreter 2.80 &.7.15.

Alias the Deacon

With..

JEAN HERSHOLT

JUNE MARLOWE and RALPH GRAVES.

AT THE

STAR

TO-DAY & TO-MORROW

Continuous. 2.30 to 11.15. -

Bayer Tablets of

Aspirin

Before You Take

3.

Taps" Tables of Aspirin, danóève thems in water. "Thats achin will be better and strenger. The mumerous halter Sons on the barkat have not the same benchcial siest Otter, medeed, thay nee pomércły harmbs, and give

10 estplaces of stomach moubis

"Gaga! Tablets of Aspirin are harmless. You can recognise the orgonal padag? fan Bag Com

£475,000 IN DEATH DUTIES.

MILLIONAIRE GIVES PARK TO A CITY.

Death duties to the amount of Mr. Williams, the express driver, £475,000 will be payable on the [ told me in the infirmary to-night estate of Mr. Stephen Cliff, of Flats, Wortley, Leeds, We were travelling at about 80 Western miles an hour and I never saw lord of the manor of Crayke the lorry until I was about 30 Easingwold, Yorks, who died on or 40 yards from it. I blew my June 22nd leaving £1,326,901 He whistle, but the lorry driver did was chairman of the Micklefield not appear to take any notice. Coal and Lime Company, Ltd., I shouted to my mate, "Hold, and of the Fradingham Iron and on, we're for it and jammed on Steel Company. the brakes. I remember striking He left bia: residence, Western a half Flats, and thirteen and the lorry, but little more.

Both lines were blocked for acres of land-for-use-na a public about two hours. Gangs of men park, and also his collection of with cranes were burily employed ivories and pottery, excepting late into the evening. One fine china. to the Leeds Corporation. was cleared and the service was He also made many bequests to

charities —continua=dói thin

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