Venereal Diseases.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1922, Page 4

Venereal Diseases.

astof.xdi.xg figures. WELLINGTON, July 0. "It is my firm belief that if tliesi diseases are tackled in a proper scientific manner venereal diseases can hi eliminated from this country in throe or four years.” These significant word; were used hy the Mon Dr Collins ii; the Legislative Council. Dr Collins argued that the old Act was really doing no good, a fact which was demonstrated by figures brought before the Prime Minister hy u Christchurch deputation, which had stated that there were at least 2000 fresh eases of venereal disease in New Zealand every year. That was an astounding statement to make. The importance of the matter hail heen brought before the Minister of Health and he-had placed it before the Hoard of Health, which had recommended the setting up of a committee of investigation. After referring to the large number of countries which had adopted a system of notification, Dr Collins said that in New Zealand we were lagging behind. “ Free treatment under our Hill,” he continued, ”is working in an unfortunate manner. The position now is that a man or woman can go up to a free clinic anil get treated, and immediately discomfort or pain’ has passed off they, or many of them, stop attending. There is no means of compelling them to go on with the treatment until cured, with the result that they are spreading disease. Free treatment is admirable in every way, but you must have some means by which people shall he compelled to receive treatment until cured, and until you get that it is better to repeal the existing Act. On two occasions this Council has passed motions favouring notification, but other influences seem to have greater weight than the unanimous view' of this Council. The result is that nothing base been done and the matter has been put off as a difficult question to tackle. T do not think that the Christchurch figures are far out.”