CAUSING -TROUBLE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 132, 7 June 1930, Page 29

CAUSING -TROUBLE

. NORMAN LINDSAY'S NOVEL •"Rcdheap."'' Norman Lindsay's novel, of love and life in a Victorian country town, although it has been read in Canberra, by the best people, will probably be banned, says the "Sun-News Pictorial." No critic has been more unsettled in his opinion of a book than the ActingMinister of Customs (Mr. Forde), on whom the responsibility- rests.; As Commonwealth Censor, he said last night that be would give his decision this morning. But he has -changed his mind again, and now says ho will give a decision to-morrow. Mr. Fordo has taken weeks to decide whether the novel should be banned or not. His opinion on "Redheap" is as follows: April 30.—"1 havo read 'Rcdheap,' and see no reason why it should not be released," May 2.—"1 have read some of 'Redheap.' It is pretty hot." May 7.—-"Book referred to the Commonwealth Solicitor-General for opinion whether the doubtful passages were obscene." May 7: "I don't know when the matter will bo finalised. I have not had time to read all Die book." May 13 (afternoon): "I am referring the matter to Cabinet." (Before dinner): "This is not a matter for Cabinet, lam making a decision, and will announce it to-morrow morning." (After dinner): "We have banned 'Redheap.' " (This morning): "I don't know how it got round that tho book was banned. It has not been settled yet. The matter will probably not be completed until tomorrow. There are many important matters which must bo attended to before we deal with '.Keadheap.' It is one of those things that can stand aside." The Comptroller-General of Customs (Mr. Hall), it is understood, reported against its admission, and "Rcdheap" then went to Sir Robert Garran, the SolicitorGeneral, who was also against its admission. It is learned that if—and when—Mr. Forde decides to ban "Redheap," his action will be based on Section 52C of the Customs Act, which prohibits the importation of blasphemous, indecent, or obscene works or articles.