IMPURE NOVELS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 57, 29 August 1911, Page 8

IMPURE NOVELS

MOVEMENT FOR SUPRESSION. One of the questions discussed at the meeting of the Anglican Social Questions Committee at Melbourne last week was that of the suppression of filthy novels. Archdeacon Hindly presided. The matter first arose on a report from the hon, secretary that he had obtained from the British Society for the Suppression of Impure Literature a list of 160 recent novels whose tendency from a standpoint was undoubtedly bad, and whose withdrawal from the shelves of booksellers was desirable. He had hesitated to send this list officially to the Government authorities, having heard that such action might lay him open to a libel 3uit, begun by the author or publisher of the ibook-s enumerated. He suggested that an effort be made to secure the co-operation of the Customs Department in the matter. Archdeacon Hindly said that in a matter of such importance the entire forces of all Christian denominations should be united, and the co-operation of the heads of colleges and schools obtained. A general discussion followed on a proposal that an appeal be signed toy the Anglican and Roman Catholic archbishops, the heads of the non-episcopal bodies, and the head masters of public schools, on the lines of a letter issued to the British Press in March last bv a committee rtf influential public men, beaded by Lords Kadnor, Mount Edgeeumbe, and Balfour of Burleigh. This letter stated:

"It is the simple fact that during the last four years n great many works of fiction have been largely circulated and sold which a,re not only unfit for perusal by any modest girl or right-minded lad, but likely to do untold harm to the moral character of all readers. Many of these books are not indecent in the" ordinary sense of the word, but their whole tone and tendency are debasing and demoralising. In them open vice and licentiousness are palliated; and even justified. It is impossible to over-estimate the evil that has been and will be done to the moral character of our sons and daughters if the publication and circulation of this abominable literature cannot be prevented. Poisonous books, papers, and magazines have found their way into respectable homes, where they arc being read by members wholly ignorant of their character, and are corrupting many minds." l""nlly, it was unanimously resolved, 'on the motion of the chairman, seconded by the Dean of Mi 'bourne—"That the Archbishop of Melbourne be asked to consider what steps can be taken to prevent the circulation of impure literature, and to this end suggests that the co-operation of other bodies, religious and educational, be engaged." It was also agreed to suggest the issue of n widely-signed public appeal on the Subject. i ' L. _