PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 25

PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION.

(Feom Oub Own UosnESPO^wiNr) WELLINGTON, Juno 6. _ " For some time past tho Protestant Political Association has been protesting against tho exclusion by the Government of certain literature which it is anxious to have circulated in this country. In answer to representations tho following letter has been, sent to Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P., as representing tho executive of the P. P.A., by Mr Myers, Minister of Customs, and Sir Francis Bell. Tho letter begins: " The question of permission for entry into New Zealand from abroad or printed matter questionable by reason of its character in tho time of war is ono to be decided by tho Minister of Customs. The stoppage of salo or other circulation of literature already in New Zealand or printed in New; Zealand is a matter controlled by the Attor-ney-general. To ensure aa far as possibla uniformity in the principle of our decisions we have arranged to act together in determining tho various questions involved, and at our request Mr Martin Chapman, K.C., has kindly consented to act as censor of all literature referred to him by us and to advise us as to its character.

" Our duty is to prevent during the war tho circulation of matter objectionable for numerous reasons, of which it is necessary at present to define only three general classes: (a) Incitement to resistance of the law; (b) treasonable, as having a tendency to assist the enemy; or (c) bo offensive in. language, allegations, or insinuations as to give rise to justifiable resentment by any classes of tho community. Under class (e) we have to deal with the literaturo in. respect of which you have made representations, and of which the books and' pamphlets already stopped at the Customs are examples. Every work must be considered and dealt with on the separate considerations affecting its special character; but we think it desirablo to Jay down for your guidance soma indication of the general principles wa propose to adopt in regard to classes of printed matter which your association desires to circulate.

"Literaturo attacking any religious doctrine or- political principle is objectionable only if the language used is outrageous in its violence. Again, the attribution to i\ religious sect of objects distinct from the advancement of religion is not of itself sufficient to justify intervention by us; but tho attribution of immorality to classes of persons who have taken a vow of celibacy is ,* beyond tho lino of possible controversy. During the war members of one of such classes cannot defend thomsclves, and tho public peace and safety would bo endangered if the circulation of such matter were permitted."

On receipt of this letter the executive of tho P.P.A. appointed a deputation to interview the Ministers, and that interview took place on Tuesda.y It was not open to the press, but a report of the proceedings has been supplied by the Ministers. The Rev. Howard Elliott pressed very hard for tho admission of certain of the literature now, banned. He insisted that the writings were true, and that they should be allowed to circulate even at the expense of the hurt feelings of Catholics. Ho did not accept tho standard of judgment likely to bo adopted by tho censor —namely, whether the literature would irritate Roman Catholics. Ho declared that, one section of thai community had no right to bo irritated if what was published was true. Sir Francis Bell: The question is not whether it is true or not. The point, is that you should not at this time proceed to your proof or your attack. Why you choose this time I do not understand. Tho country has entrusted to us tho right o£ saying whether this is a fit time for such propaganda. Personally I dislike interferr ing with men in a manner which in time of peace no Government could adopt; but v I know that it is necessary that in time of war someone or some body of men should determine what is and what is not expedient j and it is for the body of the community until the end of tho war to surrender their view of expediency. Si? Francis went on to eay that he and his colleague would take into further consideration the arguments addressed to them by the deputation; but that they should have all the license of peace in time of war ho could not concede. Mr Myers endorsed and supported tha opinions expressed by Sir Francis BelL