AN INDECENT PICTURE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9693, 18 January 1910, Page 6

AN INDECENT PICTURE.

HEAVY FINE. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, January 17. A charge of exhibiting to public view a certain picture of an indecent nature at Day's Bay, on the 2srd December last, was brought against a man named William Butler, in the Magistrate's Court, to-day, before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M. Mr Meredith appeared +'or the accused, who pleaded guilty. Sub Inspector Norwood stated that a clergyman visiting the Day's Bay grounds had drawn the attention of the police to the objectionable picture which was revealed on placing one penny in a slot machine. Mr Meredith intimated that the picture was one of a comic series of which no objection could be taken to the remainder. Included in the various sets on exhibition were some instructive, many educational pictures, such as views of Canada, etc. Accused's employer, he said, had written asking him to look over the pictures and to throw out any of which objection might be taken. Accused accordingly examined them, but he considered the picture now under review as bevond question, and above suspicion. He had exhibited it for three years in England without any trouble.. Counsel said he was prepared to produce any ladies' journal and show pictures advertising corsets, etc., where women appeared with no more clothing on them than in the present picture. The opinion of a clergyman, he considered, was biased. The slot machine was beyond the reach of children. After exami'nmg the picture the Magistrate expressed the opinion that it could not be deemed decent, and that it accordingly came within the scope of the Act. Accused must be punished. A couviction was entered, and a fine of £4 with costs inflicted. The penalty for default was fixed at 14 days' imprisonment.