BOOK CENSORSHIP

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 30 November 1927, Page 7

BOOK CENSORSHIP

QUESTION IN THE HOUSE PUBLICATIONS INTERCEPTED “THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY.” (Special to “Tribune.”) Wellington, Nov. 30. A question regarding the censorship of books was yesterday raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. H. E. Hollan'd, who asked the Post-master-General whether he was aware that among the publications which were intercepted and detained under the Post and Telegraph official circular was one by Mr. J. A. Hobson, England’s leading economist, called “The Fight for Democracy” and that another book prohibited was Norman Angell’s “War and the Workers.” written on Russia in reply to Trotsky’s book on Britain, and whethere the Minister was also aware that another prohibited publication was entitled “A Wise Man learns till the Day of his Death, While the Fool’s Education is Always Complete.” Mr. Holland also asked whathei the Minister was aware that nearly all the publications that were listed as prohibited tor the transmission by post were already in circulation in New Zealand and Were on the shelves of quite a number of Members of Parliament. INQUIRIES TO BE MADE. The Hon. W. Nosworthy replied that he was not aware of the facts stated by Mr. Holland but he would have inquiries made. “But, said Mr. Nosworthy, “1 expect that the only book that gets through the Post and Telegraph Department without examination is the Bible—anything else we would have a look at.” Mr. P. F raser (Wellington Centra!) : A most dangerous book 1 (Laughter). Mr. Nosworthy said that he would inquire into the position. Mr. D. G. Sullivan (Avon): What about The Newsletter? Mr. Nosworthy: Oh, The Newsletter is let through because 1 think it is quite desirable that hon. Members should have it. (Laughter).