NO PENALTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 204, 30 August 1943, Page 6

NO PENALTY

CENSORSHIP AGAIN COMMENT BY MAGISTRATE (P.A.) Auckland, Aug. 28. Further reference to prosecutions for breaches of the censorship regulations was made by Mr. J. H. Luxtord. S.M., yesterday when a W.A.A.C., aged 20, admitted a breach. Sub-Inspector Joyce said that the girl wrote a letter to a friend overseas in which two ships were mentioned. Had the letter been intercepted by the enemy the information might have been useful. Alter reading portion of the letter Mr. Luxford said it was hard to see where it might have been useful. The girl did not mention places, times, or dates. All she said was that someone might have been missing had he been on a certain ship. "Who is responsible for these prosecutions?" continued the magistrate. “I understand that the Director of Publicity is the departmental head, but 1 see he disclaims privilege." Sub-Inspector Joyce said that the Censorship and Publicity Department sent the letters to the Commissioner of Police and they came through police channels to Auckland. The magistrate said the case before the Court was a technical offence, but so technical that it did not warrant a penalty. The defendant was convicted and discharged. Mr. Luxford said that the Court had shown complete appreciation of the necessity for the regulations but would use fts unfettered discretion. Sub-Inspector Joyce said that in future more consideration would be given to such cases. The magistrate, in conclusion, said it might be correct for the police to interview persons, but they could drop a warning which should serve in cases like the present.