LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1923, Page 3

LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.

DISCRETION IN COURT REPORTS. RESTRICTION DIFFICULT. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, June 13. Replying to the deputation of clergy who waited on him requesting stricter censorship on newspaper reports of divorce and other sensational cases in the courts, Sir Francis Bell said frankly that in his opinion the newspapers, in reporting the Cooper case as they did, had not transgressed the law. “I do not know,” he said, “if there is any other remedy than to suggest the extent to which the publication of such matter is, in the opinion of a great many, injurious and not beneficial. You could represent that to the press in any way you please, but to attempt to control the press in any way, otherwise than within the limits of the law as regards indecency, immorality, and incidentally sedition, is not, I think, possible. “Whether judges could be asked to extend their right to prohibit publication is another matter, but I wish to make it clear that no judge on the Bench would prohibit publication where all the evidence was absolutely relevant. It was relevant to Mrs. Cooper’s case that she submitted to a certain condition of things.” Bishop Sprott: Is it permissible to prevent it? You referred to the judges’ power of exclusion. Sir Francis Bell: They have very limited power.

Bishop Sprott: Legislation was brought into the House of Commons in regard to the reports of divorce cases. Sir Francis Bell: I have been looking at that. I learn that the publication of divorce matter has been limited, but I suppose a certain section want it. The whole thing is disguesting to decent people, and it is not more disgusting to you than to me. I am willing to heas anything you have to say in retaliation. The Rev. Mr. Inglis: If any action is taken, will you promise to consider it?

Sir Francis Bell: Not only that, but if legislation has been passed in England having any bearing on it, I will certainly see it is submitted to Parliament here, but the press is a very powerful engine for political purposes.