DECENCY AND ART.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 160, 6 January 1914, Page 2

DECENCY AND ART.

THE LINE OF DEMARCATION. The question of what is an indecent picture postcard was decided in a South Australian Police Court recently. If the dictum of the magistrate be accepted some famous pictures will not be allowed to be reproduced in South Australia. Drew Brown, a storekeeper, was charged with having sold indecent picture po.itcards. The exhibits were "La C'igale," by Chantron, a copy of a picture exhibited at the Tate Gallery, London, and ii| copy of "The First Pose," shown by liondell in the Paris Salon in 1012. Sub-Inspector Priest, who is the head of the detective-force in South Australia, gave evidence that he had purchased the postcards. He said he did not think they i were published to promulgate indecent art. Mr. N. A. Webb' (for the defence): Did you think the picture of "Perseus and Andromeda." in the Art Gallery, Adelaide, indecent? Nub-Inspector Priest: No, but I do not know where the line of demarcation comes in. Do you think a photograph of Adelaide showing that statue would l>e indecent?—l do not think a photo would show much of it. Have you issued an information against the Adelaide Corporation for allowing the statue of Hercules to 'be in the square?— No. Is the statue of Venus on the North Terrace near the gates of Government Uouso indecent?— There are various stages of indecency. To my mind it is indecent. Do you think every statue, of the nude is indecent?— Wholly uudc, yes. After other evidence, Mr. Gepp. the presiding magistrate, said the Bench had decided that ''La Cigalc" and "The First Pose" were indecent pictures. A fine of £lO was imposed, but it was reduced to £2.