IMMORALITY

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1920, Page 4

IMMORALITY

STATEMENTS CONCERNING

DUNEDIN.

DUNEDIN, September 27.

The statements made by the Rev. Vincent King, who controls the Anglican Men’s Mission, and who is chairman of the Red Cross Society, as to the serious increase of immorality in Dunedin, wore recently challenged by some other social workers, although the latter admitted moral laxity. Mr King lias returned to the charge and states emphatically that immorality is greatly on the increase, although in comparison with other places Dunedin holds pride of place in regard to moral tone. In further support of his position, Mr King pointed out that according to a, report recently presented to the House by the Minister of Public Health there were at- present 65 cases undergoing treatment for venereal trouble at the Dunedin hospital. Those, of course were in addition to the unknown number being treated privately. The Hon. Dr. Collins, in his speech when tlie Social Hygiene Bill was before the Legislative Council made the astounding statement that 80 per cent of all the operations performed on women were due to, gonorrheal trouble. Mr King’s statements are backed up by otfiers. A lady, who takes a prominent part in one of the social organisations, states that there has been an increase of immorality -during the last two years. She holds that much of it is due to the high cost of living, and asks if it is not something of n mystery how many girls in offices manage to dress so extravagantly, as they. do, a leading chemist referred to several letters he had received within the past few days, both from married and single people appealing for drugs for illegal purposes. Never a week went by, be said, without cases of immorality coming under his notice. Sometimes the same request was brazenly proffered across the counter. He also drew attention to the extravagant style of living of many shop girls, and expressed the opinion that lack of home life was at the root of the whole trouble. He is convinced from his experience not only that the situation is bad, hut that of late it has lieen rapidly growing worse.