FORBIDDEN LITERATURE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 298, 5 September 1918, Page 6

FORBIDDEN LITERATURE

STATEMENT NY. MINISTER OF CUSTOMS. The Protestant Political Association has been passing resolutions condemning the Government for prohibiting the importation into the country of certain literature. On this matter the Minister of Customs (lion. A. M. Myers) has made the following statement :—

"It is apparent that some misapprehension exists as to\he actual procedure adopted by the Government in dealing with the publications referred to. '.'The question of permission for entry into .'New Zealand from abroad of priifted matter, questionable by reason of its character»in time of war, is one to bo decided by the Minister of Customs. The stoppage of sale or other circulation of literature already in Njow Zealand, or printed in Now Zealand, is a matter controlled by the AttorneyGeneral.

"To ensure as far as possible uniformity in the principle of their decisions, tho' Attorney-General and Minister of Customs arranged to act together in determining the various questions involved, and, at their request, Mr. Martin Chapman; K.C., kindly consented to read and act as censor for all literature referred to him, and tu advise as to its character. "It is their duty to prevent, during the war, the circulation of literature, so offensive in language, allegations, or insinuations, as to give rise to justifiable resentment by any class of the community. "The literature upon which the prohibition has been placed," said tho Minister, "conies under this category; but I would like to point out that a number of books not coming within this definition have been allowed entry into tho Dominion. Every work, is considered and dealt with by tho Censor, the Attorney-General, and mysolr on the separate considerations ■ affecting its .special character. ■ "Literature attacking any religious doctrine or political principle is only objectionable if the language used is outrageous iu violence. Again, the attribution to a religious sect of objects distinct from tho advancement of religion is not of itself sufficient to justify intervention. But the attribution of habitual immorality to classes of persons who have taken a vow of celibacy is beyond the , line of permissible controversy during the uar. Members of one of such classes cannot, defend themselves, and tho public peace and safety would be endangered if the circulation of such matter were permitted. "I desire to amplify the above remarks," said Mr. Myers, "by again referring to the fact that the National Government was formed for tho express purpose of minimising any influences which might possibly tend 111 the direction of dividing the community in time of war. The attitude jointly taken up by the Attorney-General and myself in regard to the literature that has been prohibited is in conformity with that principle. To preserve unity of aim, not in one onlv, hut in flll hiauches of national life during 'tho war, is clearly the duty t>f each and every member of the Government, so fur lis lies in bis power; and the pve» sent, nositio'i wnild aiwar to resolve itself into the fact that.it is. to say the least, questionable whether or not the resolutions being passed by the Protestant Political Association are of any great assistance to the general hculv of the miblic 111 their desire to preserve a common front in the face of the enemy."