Magistrate’s Comment On Censorship Breach

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 205, 30 August 1943, Page 6

Magistrate’s Comment On Censorship Breach

AUCKLAND, Aug. 27.

Further reference to prosecutions for breaches of the censorship regulations was made by Mr. Luxford, 8.M., this morning, when a W.A.A.C., aged 20, admitted a breach.

Bub-Inspector Joyce said that the girl wrote a letter to a friend overseas in which two ships were mentioned. Had the letter been intercepted by the enemy the information might have been useful.

After reading portion of the letter, Mr. Luxford said it was hard to see where it might have been useful. The girl did not mention places, times, or dates. All she said was that someone might have been missing had he been on a certain ship. “Who is responsible for these prosecutions?” continued the magistrate.

“I understand that the Director of Publicity is the departmental head, but I see he disclaims the privilege.” Sub-Inspector Joyce said that the Censorship and Publicity Department sent the letters to the Commissioner of Police and they came through police channels to Auckland.

The magistrate said the case before the Court was a technical offence, but so technical that it did not warrant a penalty. Defendant was convicted and discharged. Mr. Luxford said that the Court had shown complete appreciation of the necessity for the regulations, but would use its unfettered discretion. Sub-Inspector Joyce said that in future more consideration would be given to such cases. The magistrate, in conclusion, said it might be correct for the police to interview persons, but they could drop a warning which should serve ia cases like the present. COMMENT BY DIRECTOR OF PUBLICITY When asked had he any comment to

make on the latest prosecution for breaches of the Censorship Regulations and the comment thereon by Mr. Luxford, S.M., the Director of Publicity, Mr. J. T. Paul, said there was no mystery whatever about these matters The magistrate asked who was responsible for these prosecutions and is reported to have said that lie understood the Director of Publicity was the departmental head, but he saw that he “ disclaims privilege.” “What I did say was that obviously the Director of Publicity could have nothing to do with these prosecutions, the first intimation of Avhich I read in the Press,” said Mr. Paul. “I have plainly stated that I nothing whatever to do with mails or any prosecutions arising out of statements in correspondence. I am, however, emphatically of opinion that all responsible people should be discouraged from discussing either in letters or by word of mouth anything relating to movements of ships. Even after four years of war there is still too much careless talk and idle rumours in circulation and a careless word may mean a cross to someone.’ *