Miss Bartlett Seeks To Keep Porn Seized By Customs (Press, 17 March 1978)

On 17 March 1978, a session of the Indecent Publications Tribunal in New Zealand addressed the seizure of a book deemed hard-core pornography by the Customs Department. The book, titled "Week-end Sex", was sent to morals campaigner Miss Patricia Bartlett, who acknowledged its indecent nature yet sought it for historical and educational reasons. During the proceedings, tribunal chairman Mr L. M. Greig questioned Miss Bartlett about the scientific or educational value of the book.

While reviewing the seized book, Miss Bartlett asserted it was "the worst example of hard-core pornography" she had ever seen but insisted it should not be destroyed, as she wanted to use it to illustrate the extremes of depravity to "responsible adults." Representing the Customs Department, Mr P. E. Leloir argued against the release of the book, describing it as devoid of redeeming social value.

The book had come uninvited from Mr Svend Laursen of the Danish Society Against the Indoctrination of Children, accompanying a letter referencing a judgment from the European Court of Human Rights. Miss Bartlett, as secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards, maintained that the society did not dispute the publication's offensive content but believed it was necessary for oversight in sex education. She requested that the tribunal allow restricted access to the book for educational purposes, similar to prior cases where specific professions were granted access to graphic material.

However, the tribunal raised concerns about establishing a precedent that could lead other groups to demand similar privileges. An exchange between Miss Bartlett and the tribunal highlighted her long-standing experience as a teacher, but tribunal member Mrs L. Edmond pointed out that many others shared this background.

As the session concluded, the tribunal reserved its decision on whether to grant the request for restricted possession of the book. In the meantime, the discussion underscored the tensions between moral campaigning, legislative control, and the complex nature of educational discourse around sexuality during that period in New Zealand.

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