"WHITE CARGO"

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 137, 7 December 1926, Page 8

"WHITE CARGO"

complaints' of.indecent

LANGUAGE,

(By Telegraph.) (Special to "The Evening Pitt.")

AUCKLAND, This Day. A protest ngninst the staging of the play "White Cargo" was made recently to the Government by ' the Auckland Council of Christian Congregations, which complained of the language used in the play. The council suggested that a representative board of tensors should- be set up to read all plays before their production'in New Zealand. The board should have the power of veto. '

Last evening, the following letter from the Minister of Justice (the Hon. P. J. Rolleston) was read: "Regarding tho play 'White Cargo/ I had previously received complaints in regard to.this, and as a .result gave instructions that experienced officers of the Police Force should attend performances in different towns. As a result I have received three independent reports, all of which agree that the production discloses no ground for police inter'i'erence. ; I understand that no police action has been tal^eu in regard to the play in either England or Australia, where the" law is similar to our. dwn. The only charge that could be laid is one of'indecent language, and the police advise that there is not sufficient ground for this." Mr." Rolleston added that he would consider the suggestion for a representative o£ the Censorship Board to read all plays before they were introduced to New Zealand. The fact had to be recognised that a prosecution, successful or otherwise, would only result in the play receiving a bis advertisement.

Dr. Ranston remarked that there was room for a board of censors and. it was satisfactory that ,the Minister, thought the matter important enough to write a lengthy letter. . .