OFFENSIVE AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11977, 21 September 1906, Page 7

OFFENSIVE AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS.

A NEW BILL.

(From Our Own CorrmDondent.) WELLINGTON, September 21. The Offensive Publications Bill, introduced by the Minister of Justice, is a drastic measure, having relation principally to obscene pictures and publications. Clause 2, for instance, provides that where "on complaint on oath, any person has reason to believe that any obscene picture, or printed or written matter is kept in any place for the purpose of sale, or distribution, or exhibition, for purposes of gain, and that one or more articles of a like character have been sold, distributed, exhibited, or otherwise published, any Justice may, if satisfied that any article so kept would be an offence against the principal Act, give authority by warrant to any constable to enter such place in the daytime, and, if necessary, to use force by breaking open doors or otherwise, and to seize all such pictures, printed or written matter referred to."

Prosecution may follow, and penalties be inflicted, according to the principal Act. If the prosecution succeeds, the articles are to be, destroyed, and if not successful, returned to their owner. Any aggrieved person has the right to seek for redress at law.