LANGUAGE IN PLAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 8, 7 December 1926, Page 6

LANGUAGE IN PLAY

AN AUCKLAND PROTEST. REPLY 4BY MINISTER O? JUSTICE. [By Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) AUCKLAND, Dec. 6. A protest against the staging of the play “White Cargo” was made recently to the Government by tin Auckland Council of Christian Congregations, which complained, of the language used in the play and suggested that a representative board of censors should be set up to read all plays before their production in New Zealand with power of veto. At this evening’s meeting of the council the following letter from the Minister of Justice, Hon. F. J. Rolleston, was read: “I have received your letter of October 22 regarding the play ‘White Cargo.’ I had previously received complaints in regard to this and as a result I gave instructions that experienced officers of the police force should attend the performance of the play ift different towns. As a result I have now received three independent reports, all of which agree in the conclusion that the production of the play discloses no ground for police interference. I understand that no police action has been taken in regard to the play, in either England' or Australia where tlie law is similar to our own. The only charge that could be laid is one of indecent language- and the police advise that there is not sufficient ground for this. I shall be pleased to consider your suggestion that the law should be amended to provide for a representative board of censors to read all plays befoiA they are introduced into New Zealand. I admit the great difficulty of dealing with this class of thing and one is always confronted with the fact that a prosecution, successful or unsuccessful, would only result in the play receiving a big advertisement.”

The letter was received. Tire chairman, Rev. Dr. H. Ranston, remarked that unfortunately there had not been room for a police prosecution. However, . there was room for a board of censors in New Zealand. It was satisfactory that the Minister of Justice had thought the matter important enough to write a letter of some length about it.

“White Cargo” was produced i» Palmerston North a few weeks ago.