SECTARIAN LITERATURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1918, Page 7

SECTARIAN LITERATURE.

STATEMENT BY ACTING-PREMIER. By Telegraph.—Press Association. . Wellington, Last Night. In a general statement to-day, Sir James Allien said: "There is so much misrepresentation regarding the Government's action in stopping the sale or circulation of literature likely to create hostility or ill-will between different classes and endanger the public safety, that it seems desirable to state the position oflicially. In doing so, I desire to emphasise the fact that, in the perilous time we are now enduring, it is of the utmost importance that sectarian strife should not he encouraged, and that we should unitedly strive to end the war and secure a lasting peace. It is the duty of the Government to prevent, during the war, the circulation of matter so offensivo in language, allegations, or insinuations as to give rise to justifiable resentment by any class of the community. It is considered that literature attacking any religious do* trine or principle is only objectionable if the language used is outrageous in its violence. Again, the attribution to ft religious sect of objects distinct from the advancement of religion is not in itself sufficient to justify intervention by the Government, but the attribution of habitual immorality to classes of persons who have taken the row of celibacy is beyond the line permissible in controversy during the war. Members of one of such classes cannot defend themselves, and the public peace and safety would he endangered if the circulation of such matter is permitted."