“UNDESIRABLE” SIDESHOWS

Evening Star, Issue 22047, 5 June 1935, Page 10

“UNDESIRABLE” SIDESHOWS

GiIASS OF ACTS CRITICISED STRICTER CENSORSHIP RECOMMENDED ‘‘Undesirable” and ‘‘objectionable were the terms applied to certain classes ot sideshows that are admitted to show grounds, when being criticised to-day by the Southern District Council ot the Royal Agricultural Society ot Now Zealand, which decided to recommend that the existing legislation he enforced .more strongly, or that a scheme ot censorship be introduced. Introducing the topic for discussion, Mr J. A. Edwards (Gore) said that his society had received numerous complaints irom women’s organisations regarding the “objectionable” Class ot sideshows exhibited during the past season. It had been resolved, after much consideration, that there should be a means of licensing such sideshows, in order that societies might I enow which to admit. It was not known whether, there was any law covering the matter.' -■ Some legislation had been passed, following a decision by the Royal Society, said Mr A. S. Holms (AVaimahaka), who added that if a show were not fit for exhibition it should not be permitted to open on a show ground, and it appeared as though a license was the only way to overcome the difficulty. Mr John Preston (chairman) thought/ that the Royal Society had done something in the matter, and that the only Svorry should be whether or not a sideshow, would pass police inspection. “ If a show does not pass the police in one place, the exhibitors can very well visit another town and put their equipment over the fence if a society tries to bar their entry,” said Mr E. H, Murney (Tapanui). However, the police were never eager to- take action against the showmen, who were simply advised to modify their performances. Mr G. Ross (Palmerston) said that in Dunedin the matter was generally considered one for the police to settle. ’The society, merely drew the attention of the police to any act that was considered unsuitable, and it had nothing more to worry about. “ Societies throughout the country should be recommended to debar any sideshow until an endorsed license is produced,” said, the chairman. ■ That an attempt to introduce legislation had been made some years ago without success was a statement by Mr David -Marshall (Invercargill). Mr Edwards then moved—That in view -6f the undesirable nature of certain.. sideshows, the Royal Society be asked to go into the question of, urging a stiffening up of the existing legislation, or of introducing adequate provisions for .censorship.” “ Part of the motion is asking for something societies already have, because they reserve the right to reject any undesirables from their grounds,” said Mr John Burnett (AA’nikoikoi), who seconded the motion. The Chairman; J. do not, think that we will obtain any legislation on the matter, but it is desirable that uniform, rules be adopted by all societies. Mr Murney also deplored the appearance of children under a certain age in sideshows, and he expressed the opinion that such a practice should not be permitted... The motion was carried.