SOMETIMES TAKEN FOR SPIES

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 187, 6 May 1941, Page 6

SOMETIMES TAKEN FOR SPIES

Troubles Of Sketchers

DIFFICULTY OF KEEPING

WITHIN THE LAW “There has recently been considerable disturbment among the artistic community in Wellington and possibly other centres," said an official of the Wellington Sketch and Studio Club yesterday. “It appears that the war restrictions which have imposed certain regulations to the effect tlita artists may not tions to the effect that artists may not to the enemy’ has been very difficult to interpret. Certain places are obviously out of bounds in this respect, but. many others are very doubtful, lhe regulations have placed artists at. a distinct disadvantage, as if the artist sets up his easel anywhere, officious and over-pa*riotic souls 'immediately appear to pounce on the artist and denounce him .is a spy, with the result that a lot of time is wasted trying to convince the local constable that this is not the case, the constable being just as wise as the artist concerning whether the case in point ‘may be of use to the enemy. “The spy hunt is already with us. That a spy would sit out in the open with all his wares for the city to gaze and comment upon, to some people does not seem improbable. The miniature camera can do a lot more damage and is less conspicuous, almost invisible. “However, artists being peaceful individuals, have done their best to keep within the law, but have at times been placed in some annoying circumstances. Despite the fact that such places as Wellington Heads, Moa Point, Mt. Victoria, arq out of bounds for\ sketching purposes for obvious reasons, the difficulty arises at what distance away are they or are they not of any use to the enemy? And cannot very good picture postcards still, be purchased in any shop of such places, which will give much more detail than any artist can possibly put into a painting?”