Camden Courier-Post – February 14, 1936
Measure to Limit Size and Fix Fees Protested at Noisy Hearing
The ordinance approved on first reading January 29 amending the present law regulating the distribution of circulars was voted down by the· city commission on second reading yesterday, after a public hearing.
Public hearings scheduled on five other ordinances were postponed. These included three refunding measures, one amending present laws designed to stop littering the streets, and the other extending the closing time for barber shops.
Opposition to the circular ordinance, which would have restricted the size of such advertising matter to 6 by 4 inches and required a permit and tax fur distribution, was voiced by merchants and representatives of the Socialist and Communist parties.
The hearing was a noisy one, with sporadic outbursts from the audience causing Mayor Frederick von Nieda to rap for order frequently.
Grocers Protest
A. David Epstein, attorney representing the South Jersey Grocers Association, with a membership of 200 independent grocers, was vigorous in his opposition to the amendment. He argued that circulars provide the only means for members to advertise their wares and said the proposed size hardly meets their requirements. Present circulars are 12½ by 19 inches in size, and have been used over a period of years, Epstein said. The lawyer also objected to levying a tax, pointing out that each distributor is forced to take out a $6 license now.
Commissioner Harold W. Bennett said many justifiable complaints had been received declaring porches, steps and yards were littered with circulars and other advertising matter. He said such papers should be attached securely to doors or handed in.
Commissioner Mary W. Kobus said she saw no need for the proposed amendment, declaring the existing law requires distributors to place circulars on a doorknob with a rubber band.
Irving Levinsky, Broadway merchant, said he would favor the ordinance if the size was increased to 12 by 22 inches.
Theatre Manager Speaks
A chorus of boos caused Mayor von Nieda to demand order. Levinsky said he agreed that “newspaper circulars,” or thick, bulky ones, should be outlawed.
This drew an objection from Joseph Murdock, local theatre manager, who defended multiple page circulars issued by him, in advertising motion pictures.
Commissioner Frank J. Hartmann, original sponsor of the ordinance, then moved that It be tabled.
Charles S. Danenhower, Camden and South Jersey organizer for the Communist party, objected that the measure should be killed outright “in the interest of the working classes.”
Hartmann called for action on the ordinance, and it was voted down by unanimous vote.
When the refunding ordinances were laid over for the third time, Bennett said quickly action was necessary, and asked that the mayor be authorized to call a meeting before the next regularly scheduled session, to handle the matter.
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