A PENNY-IN-THE-SLOT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2712, 18 January 1910, Page 5

A PENNY-IN-THE-SLOT.

EXHIBITING AN INDECENT PICTURE.

[Pick Pitr.ss Association.! WELLINGTON, Jan. 17. A charge of exhibiting to the public view a certain picture of an indecent nature at Day’s Bay on the 23rd December last, was brought against a man named Wrn. Butler in the Magistrate’s Court to-day before Mr W. G. Riddell, S.M. Mr "Meredith appeared far accused, who pleaded guilty. Sub.-Inspector Norwood stated that a clergyman visitin' - - the Day’s Bay grounds had drawn the attention of the police, to the objectionable picture which was revealed on placing one penny in a slot machine. Mr Meredith intimated that the picture was one of a comic series, of which no objection could be taken to the remainder. Included in the various sets on exhibition were some instructive and educational pictures such as views of Canada, etc. Accused’s employer, he said, had written asking him to look over the pictures and to throw out any to which objection might be taken. Accused ac_ cordingly examined them, but he considered the picture now under review as beyond, question and above inspection. He had exhibited it for throe years in England without any trouble. Counsel said he was prepared to produce any ladies’ journal and show pictures advertising corsets, etc., where women apneared with no more clothing on them than in the present picture. The opinion of a clergyman, he considered biassed. The slot machine was beyond the reach of children. After examining the picture the Magistrate expressed the opinion that it could not be deemed decent, and that it accordingly came within the scope of the Act. Accused was penalised, and a. conviction was entered, and a fine of £3, with costs, inflicted. The penalty for default was fixed at 14 days’ imprisonment.