EXPOSING INDECENT PICTURES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 56

EXPOSING INDECENT PICTURES.

WELLINGTON, January IT. A charge of exhibiting to public view a certain picture of an indecent nature at Day’s Bay, on December 23 last, was brought against a man named William Butler in the Magistrate’s Court to-day, before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M. Mr Meredith appeared for accused, who pleaded guilty. Sub-inspector Norwood stated that a clergyman visiting the Day’s Bay grounds had drawn the attention of the police to the objectionable picture, which was revealed on placing one penny in a slot machine. Mr Meredith intimated that the picture was one of a comic series, to which no objection could be taken. The remainder included in the various sets on exhibition were some instructive and educational pictures, such as views of Canada, etc. Accused’s employer, he said, had written asking him to look over- the pictures, and to throw out any to which objection might be taken. Accused accordingly examined them, but he considered the picture now under review as beyond question and above suspicion. He had exhibited it for three years in England without any trouble. Counsel said he was prepared to produce any ladies’ journal afnd show pictures—advertising corsets, etc.—where women appeared with no more clothing on them than in the present picture. The opinion of g clergyman hq considered blasted. The aloti machine was beyond the reach of children.