PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 83, 16 July 1910, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, the Attornev-Cenei'al moved the second ri;'.i!!:ig oi the Indecent Publications Hill, explaining its importance and drastic provisions in detail. At present a person charged with the sale or publication of indecent literature cannot be convicted summarily except with his own consent in accordance with the recommendation made in ISXIS by the Joint Select Committee of the Imperial Parliament (Lotteries and rndecent Advertisements). It was provided by this Hill that all such offences can be dealt with on summary conviction, but by a stipendiary magistrate only. For the purpose of avoiding thtf risk of vexatious and unreasonable prosecutions, it was provided that informations are to be laid by police ollicers only. A private prosecutor must obtain leave of the AttorneyGeneral. Clause 4 was intended to obviate existing difficulties in the way of prosecutions for indecent matter published in newspapers. The clause determined what persons were to 'be held responsible for the conduct of a newspaper in this respect. The AttorneyGeneral recognised that a measure restricting the liberty of the iPress or people demanded the most careful consideration and scrutiny. In this matter the liberty which it was sought to conserve was a liberty which improved and ennobled. 'Not only was journalism concerned, but the publication of books. Some very disgusting hooks were in circulation in the Dominion at present. Provision was made to rigidly protect legitimate literatnre. Answering an interpolation, the Minister said that no medical book published for a bona fide purpose came under the 'Act. In certain cases a constable might arrest without warrant. The Hon. E. C. J. Stevens contended that no information whatever should be laid without the consent of the AttorneyGeneral.

The Hon. 0. Samuel agreed that legislation dealing with these offences should he drastic, fie hoped that the AttorneyGeneral would see that police inspectors were very carefully instructed in connection with the matter.

The Hon. H. Scotland thought the Bill would do neither good nor harm. There were passages in the Old Testament which no parent would read to his children. Then in "Romeo and Juliet" there '

were objectionable passages. "Then look." he said, "at the works of Fielding, Smollett, Sterling, and others. These were perfectly disgusting, but had never corrupted anyone. The Hon. R. A. Loughnan was of opin-

ion that the Bill went a little too far in the responsibility it cast upon almost every person connected with the publication of a newspaper. Proprietors and managers frequently knew nothing at all of what was being published. With a view of guiding booksellers in the selection of books, lie suggested that a kind of "index expurgatorius" be issued from time tfi'time under the auspices of the Government.

The debate was adjourned and the Council rose.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Tn the House this afternoon, the Premier moved to lay on the table the report of the Canterbury Grazing Runs Classification Commissioners.

The debate was adjourned till tomorrow, and the House rose at 5.30 p.m. The second reading of the Phosphorus' Matches Bill was moved by the Hon. D. Buddo. The Bill is intended to prohibit the importation of matches made with white phosphorus, and for fining occupiers ot factories who use or permit the use thereof in the manufacture of matches. After some discussion the second reading was carried on the voices. The Hon. R. MeKenzie moved the second reading of the Stone Quarries Bill. He explained the provisions of the Bill, which provides that quarry managers must hold permits from an inspector under the. Act, and for various safeguards in the use of explosives. The second readin? was carried, and the House rose at 11.30 p.m.