BANNED FROM LIBRARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18354, 27 August 1929, Page 11

BANNED FROM LIBRARY.

“ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT.” By five votes to three, the Timaru Borough Council last night banned Erich Remarque’s book “All Quiet on the Western Front,” from the Municipal Library. The subject came up for discussion when the Library Committee’s report was presented, Councillor J. Todd stating that he disapproved of the book being included in the book list for the library. He admitted that he had not read the book. Councillor T. W. Satterthwalte: “I’ve read it.”

Councillor Todd: “I’m pleased to see that some of you have read it. From information I have received, I consider it is not a fit and proper book to be placed on the shelves of the library. Councillor M. H. Richards: “You want to read it before you talk like that.”

Councillor Todd went on to say that he had observed that Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin had allowed the book but Christchurch and some of the smaller libraries, including Wanganui, had banned it. He did not desire to pose as “the good young man who never dies,” but he asked councillors if they would take the book home and allow their daughters to read it. Councillor Todd moved that the book be disallowed in the library. The motion was seconded by Councillor F. B. Hawkey. The Mayor (Mr W. Angland): “Will you • explain, Councillor Benstead, as chairman of the Committee?” Councillor G. Benstead said that the question as to whether the book should be placed on the shelves of the library was discussced at some length, - but there was a difference of opinion on the committee. He had expressed the opinion that the book was not a fit one |for young people to have in their posj session, and he had suggested that the book should be purchased, but kept off the shelves entirely, although it was to be allowed out to people of mature age. There were a few paragraphs here and there which he thought would be detrimental to young people, and they would be the better for not having read them. He desired it understood that he was now speaking as a teacher. He had been teaching all his life, and It was his opinion that certain portions of the book were better kept from young people. “I would not put it in front of my daughter, and I would not put in in front of another person’s daughter.” Continuing, Councillor Benstead said that some members of the committee had stated that they would allow their daughters to read the book, and when it came to a vote, it was decided to buy two copies, and to add them to the list. As far as he could remember, no division was taken. The Mayor: “Were you unanimous?”

Councillor Benstead: “As far as I remember, yes.” Continuing, he said that there was a lot in the book, apart from two or three paragraphs, which would do more to create an absolute horror of war than any other book on war he had read. Apart from these paragraphs, the book was most illuminating, and created a greater horror and detestation of war than anything he had read. Councillor M. H. Richards said that he had read the book in a sort of rough way, and went through some of the finer details. One of the ladies on the committee had said that she would allow her daughter to read the’book. There was no bad in it, unless they made bad out of it. He was surprised at Councillor Todd talking the way he had, when he had not read the book.

Councillor Todd: “I have read enough about it.”

Councillor Richards: “You should have read it through, to see one or two parts which people who had read it had referred to.” Councillor Todd: “I wouldn’t read the book.” Councillor Richards: “Dear me. I won’t say any more.” Councillor Todd: “What did the librarian say?” Councillor Richards: “I can’t remember exactly what she said. Perhaps the chairman of the committee can tell you.” Councillor Todd: “I have it from one person in the town that one particular passage is disgraceful. It refers to a soldier Several councillors commenced to laugh, whereupon Councillor Todd remarked: “Perhaps I had better not repeat it.” The Mayor: “I think we ought to take a vote on the matter.”

Councillor Benstead: “As a compromise, I wonder if Councillor Todd will agree to this?” The Mayor: “No, Councillor Benstead. Far better to put it to the vote and decide.” Councillor Todd’s motion was then put and carried by five votes to three, the voting being: For—Councillors Todd. Hawkey, Chittock, Hart and Benstead. Against—Councillors Satterthwaile, Kennedy and Richards.