POLICE COURT,

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 15, 14 July 1887, Page 2

POLICE COURT,

ALLEGED OBSCENE PUBLICATION. At the Police Court this morning, before Mt Booth, R.M., Robert Cooper appeared to answer an information by the police that he did on or about the 29th day of March, 188?, at Gisborne, unlawfully offer for distribution a certain obscene printed paper contrary to the form of tbe statute in such case made and provided; Mr Turton (instructed by Mr Ward) appeared for the accused, and objected to the wording of the information. Tbe information did not state to whom the alleged obscene paper was offered, and also that the nature ot the document was not fully disclosed. At the result to the prisoner, if found guiltyj would be very serious, an iinprieonment to: one year being possible, he (Mr turtbnf thought that the information should afford him a better chance ot meeting the charge, instead of being so extremely vague and illdefined. Mr Turton then quoted several authorities to support hi* contention that the information was bad. Sergeant Bullen contended that the information was correctly drawn under the Police Offences Act, Section 41, and Mr Booth decided against Mr Turton. The accused pleaded not guilty, Mr Booth decided that this being a case bi alleged obscenity it should be heard with closed doors. The Court was accordingly cleared. < Several witnesses were examined, and at 8 p,m. the enquiry was adjourned until Monday next at 10 a.m. to allow evidence being procured as to publication of the alleged offence.