Committee Cool To ‘pornography’ Call (Press, 12 December 1978)

On 12 December 1978, a group of moral advocates from the Christchurch Integrity Centre approached the Waimairi County Council's finance and by-laws committee to express their concerns over the sale of what they deemed “pornographic” literature within the county. The group, consisting of ten members, sought the committee's support in taking action against the availability of such materials, including a request to restrict or vet the sale of indecent literature and to deploy health inspectors to ensure compliance with laws regarding the sale of "girlie" magazines. The reception from the committee was largely non-committal. They were informed that the council lacked the financial resources and statutory authority to enforce such measures, emphasising that it was ultimately a police matter. While the committee did show a willingness to support initiatives for promoting family recreation on Sundays, most members, with the exception of Councillor W. H. Rice, refrained from engaging with the other issues raised by the deputation. Councillor Rice suggested that local bodies across Canterbury could gather to discuss establishing some form of control over pornography, yet the County Chairman, Mr D. B. Rich, maintained that this issue fell outside the purview of local government responsibilities. During the discussion, members of the deputation shared personal accounts of how exposure to pornography had negatively impacted their lives. One speaker went as far as to describe how it led him into infidelity and made him confront serious questions about his sexuality. In addition to the discussion on pornography, the committee also examined reports related to Visa cards issued by the Bank of New Zealand. Councillor Rice proposed a public inquiry into the situation, indicating concerns that the introduction of these cards could exacerbate New Zealand's balance-of-payments deficit by up to NZ$2 million. He raised issues about what he deemed unethical distribution practices by the bank and cautioned that retailers would face significant costs associated with the use of Visa cards. Unlike Rice, the County Clerk, Mr J. Reid, recommended a "wait-and-see" approach, suggesting that the council defer any inquiry until the Commerce Commission potentially initiated its investigation. The meeting demonstrates a clash of priorities, where moral advocacy around pornography encounters the practical limitations and jurisdictional boundaries of local governance. The responses highlight the challenges faced by community groups seeking to influence policy on sensitive issues while navigating bureaucratic processes.

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