Tribunal ‘shielded importers’

Press, 3 September 1980, Page 2

Tribunal ‘shielded importers’

PA ' Wellington ■ ■&: ’■ - ' Miss Patricia Bartlett, the anti-porn campaigner, wants an explanation from the Indecent Publications Tribunal as to. why ijCtliriee decisions bn publicatforis 'released on the same date, she . was the only importer named. The decisions on six other publications were made on the same day as the decision on the five publications that Miss Bartlett imported under ■the nom-de plume, J. Smith. She said the tribunal shielded the names of the two commercial importers. “Surely the public have a right to know why justice does not appear to be always done by -the tribunal in publicising . people’s names. My work is centred on protecting the public good, the commercial importers’ work is centred on lining their own pockets,” she said. Miss Bartlett said she had imported the books only so she could take them to the police. Asked if she considered that she would continue to receive such material, she replied, “I do not think I will, but there is a possibility.”. Miss Bartlett described the law as an ass when it came to exposing pornographic trends, " between ‘ Australia and New Zealand. “The Indecent Publications -Tribunal ( is .riot much better when in 'its decision released on Aug-' ust 25, it implies that I imported these books for' the same purposes as those 'who normally import indecent books,” she. said. The .tribunal and. the.Customs', Department .were inconsistent 'and unjust iri releasing drily her riame, she said. . : <>' '

‘ “It \Vas' necessary in order to escape the possibility of being put on the mailing list of' a pornographic firm and sent their filthy literature ad nauseum/ as is; their practice, that'a ! ndm de plume was used,” Miss Bartlett said.