VENEREAL DISEASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1924, Page 4

VENEREAL DISEASE.

LEGISLATION' ADVOCATED

WELLINGTON, April 18 The mooting of the Board of was concluded yesterday. The Board dealt with proposes to issue requisitions on four local Todies, requiring the carrying out of certajn: works. In three eases the proposals were agreed to. It was reported that ope .Borough Cquncjl Ji.ad neglected ,to take action in the direction of installing a proper drainage system. Tjie Board resolved to call upon this Council to state within three months what it proposed to do in the matter. Dr J. S- Elliott, speaking on b.elqtlf of Sir James Wilson, who was unavoidably absent through illness, moved a resolution drawing the attention of the Government to the fact that the promised legislation dealing with venereal diseases had not yet been passed. The Board was of the opinion that such legislation should he gone on with during the coming session. Dr Elliott said he had received a telegram from the Hon W. 11. Triggs, president of the Commission, who was absent through being delayed in North Auckland, expressing a hope that the Government wtould (introduce legislation on tliis matter early next session, as recommended by the Commission on Venereal Diseases. Mr Triggs’ message continued that the evidence submitted to the committee showed conclusively that every month’s delay was being paid for by the continued sacrifice of innocent victims and the pro gressive deterioration of the nation's physique. It was surely a monstrous

anomaly, unfair to those charged with the care of the public health, that while the law is adequate to prevent the spread of minor zymotic complaints, no protection is given against negligence, or even the wilful dissemination of the two most deadly forms of infection of venereal disease, which do more harm than all the other forms put together. M.r Triggs expressed the opinion that the public would welcome the legislation recommended by the Committee; as shown by practically the unanimous support given to its report when published. Dr Elliott’s motion was seconded by General Sir Donald McGavin and unanimously passed by the Board, who asked the Director-General of llaolth to discuss the matter with the Minister, and if as a result it was thought desirable a deputation from the Board he ar.rnagcd to wait upon the Prime Minister along with the Minister ol 11 eat 111.