Social Reform.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1922, Page 4

Social Reform.

At the Town 'Hall last evening in the presence of a fair attendance, Mrs E. Roberts of Christchurch, President of the Social Hygiene Society of Canterbury, delivered a lecture to parents and others on social purity. Dr Teichclmann presided. Among those present were members of the clergy and teaching profession.

Mrs Roberts dealt at considerable length with sex instruction, and the need for parents to inform their chillre n early in their young lives of the principles of social purity and sex hygiene. In doing so the speaker dealt with tho subject from various as pects emphasising the need to uphold the law of purity as equally binding on men and women. Tho objects of the Society were also detailed and the need to endeavour to forward those objects in family life was strongly emphasised. Information was afforded in regard to enlightenment in respect to the prevalence of" social diseases and the necessity for the earliest treatment. The work of the Society in providing facilities for curative treatment was stressed, and examples given of what was being done in a non public way to assist tbc suffering who brought their troubles to the capable Matron at the headquarters in Christchurch. In regard to the spreading of knowledge both in the home and in the scliocL a

good deal of general information was afforded. It was most desirable that the children of to-day on whom the future of the race depended should have the earliest knowledge of the physiological laws of life, so as to ensure a souild standard in both health and conduct. Much literature was now being distributed along tho lilies con-, s-idered necessary, and it was desiiable to have the principles of sex hygiene taught at flic training colleges. The whole address was given clearly and with interest, and was attentively followed by the audience. At the close of the address the Rev P. B. Eraser in moving a vote of thanks to Mrs Roberts eulogised the work in hand, and pointed out that some twenty years ago he had joined with others in taking the matter up in Otago, lie regarded social instruction and reform of the highest import to the people, and of the most foremost place for attention, for the whole nation was involved, and not a few individuals, as in other attempted reforms which were enjoying attention. The vote was carried bv acclamation. Mr \Y. 11. Shannon moved a vote of thanks to the Mothers’ Union for the notion in securing the visit of Mr: Roberts which had resulted in such an informative address being given. The motion was readily adopted. Revd E. H. Thorpe moved a vote ol thanks to the Chairman, which concluded the proceedings. A quantity of literature suitable for Doth young folk and parents was distributed, and a collection was taken up to defray local expenses.