DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLET

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15398, 5 September 1913, Page 8

DISTRIBUTION OF LEAFLET

COMPLAINT FROM CLERGY.

LICENSEE TO EXPLAIN.

The quarterly meeting of the Parnell Licensing Committee was held yesterday, Mr. E. C. Cutten, S.M., presiding.

A deputation of clergy of various denominations, headed by Canon G. Mac Murray, were also in attendance. Tney brought under the notice of the committee a leaflet which had been issued in thousands amongst the spectators at a football match on Saturday last. Canon Mac Murray produced the advertisement, which was headed, "A Word to the Wise." The signature of "D. Rogers, proprietor," was at the end. The leaflet contained a plan of the Exhibition buildings, and drew attention to the proximity of the Captain Cook Hotel. There was also a parody on the ten commandments, about which, said Canon Mac Murray, there- was nothing objectionable, except that it was a parody on the ten commandments.

Canon Mac Murray then proceeded to read a number of toasts which were printed on the back of the leaflet. These, the reader was enjoined "to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest." These toasts were commented upon as being suggestive of indecency, if not positively indecent themselves, and not at all good for the morals of young people. Canon Mac Murray and his colleagues respectfully submitted that a person who issued such a document was not fit to conduct a licensed house. In the subsequent discussion upon the matter, the committee, including Mr E C. Cutten, S.M., agreed that the leaflet was objectionable.

Sub-Inspector Johnston, who represented the police, replied, ia answer to a question that he did not think the leaflet quite came within the scope of the Offensive Publications Act.

It was eventually decided to adjourn the meeting for a week, and to call upon the licensee of the Captain Cook Hotel to appear before the committee