Venereal Disease.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1922, Page 4

Venereal Disease.

EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMITTEE. AUCKLAND, Aug. 18. Before the Venereal Diseases Committee several women gave evidence on behalf of various organisations. Oiie objected to compulsory notification, advocating free clinics open day and even with a full measure of privacy. The organisation she represented would not oppose compulsory examination in extreme eases of which doctors bad been notified by patients, who bad nctunlly contracted the disease, from a known source. Witness expressed the opinion the ‘‘early treatment” methods tended to lower the moral standard by giving a false sense of security. A publicity campaign would help to enlighten the public, while instruction should be given in schools by properly qualified teachers.

Mrs Henderson Lee-Cowie said there should be teaching of sex physiology, suppression of quacks, certificates of health on tlio side of both parties before marriage, severe punishment for knowingly infecting anotlicr and absolute equality of tlie sexes in treatment, whether medical or judicial. Dr Murray, medical officer at Auckland prison, stated that the number of male prisoners admitted from July, 1920, to July 1922 was 2511, of which 28 were suffering from venereal disease. Of 210 females 'admitted during tlie same period, 4 were similarly affected., Of the total mimlier of prisoners only one bad lieeui detained fob completion of treatment under tlie Criminal Detention Act. The chairman expressed the opinion that the proportion of the prison population suffering from the disease was much lower in Auckland than in other countries. Dr Murray concurred with this opinion, 14 years’ experience of prison work having satisfied him that the disease was more prevalent in private life Hun in- the gaols. The Rev Jasper Caldcr, Anglican. City cissioner, said iie could not too strongly urge compulsory notification and treatment, and also inspection. Nobody wanted the C.D. Act hack, but something approaching it seemed necessary. Quack treatment should bo forbidden. “It is not tile footballer or prize fighter who get our girls into trouble,” Air Caldcr said,“it is tlio thin weak-kneed youth who lias no vitality, energy or physical or moTa) strength, the sort of chap who is scared to have a colli bath in the morning.” The committee left to-night for Dunedin.

In tlie second half the Wellington backs were constantly in motion, and added four tries (one converted) ; while Nelson converted a try. Tlie Nelson pack were very fast, and. i! mis anybody's game-up to the last few minutes.

lei Wellington. McCabe, Gib-oil (two). Bigg. McCleary, and Cannody scored tries and Snow, Reid, aild Brownlie scored for Nelson.

HAWKE’S BAY V. CANTERBURY. CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 20 Hawke’s Bay yesterday defeated Canterbury by 29 points to three. The visitors were superior in all department's, but their passing lacked finish AUCKLAND V. OTAGO. DUNEDIN, Aug. 20.

The weather and tlie ground were both perfect for the representative match between Auckland mid Otago teams, which was plhved at Carisbrtjok to-day. before an attendance of well over 14,000 spectators. In the first sp«*ll the play was poor, and of a rather ragged order; but the Otago forwards wore more than holding their own. The final score was 11—ff in favour of Otago.

HAWKE'S BAY V. AUCKLAND/ AUCKLAND, Aug. 20 The League Northern Union Challenge Cup match. Hawke’s Bay v. Auckland yesterday resulted: Auckland 2ff, Hawke’s, BaX-f1;....,,..