HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 17 July 1916, Page 3

HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC.

• CHECKING DISEASES. GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. AN EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN. f Power to control the supply of liquor to women, to suppress immorality, and to check the spread of contagious diseases is sought by the Government by the War Regulations Bill. One of the clauses proposes that regulations with these objects in view be made, and an explanation of the Government's in-

dention Was given by the Hon. G. W Russell, Minister for Internal Affairs to a deputation of women.

Mr Russell said the Government was persuaded of the absolute necessity of preventing women from frequenting hotels visited by soldiers, tfejid it is proposed to make regulations with that object. It was found impossible to deal with the intricate problem of immorality by legislation, and the question was now being most carefully considered by himself and his officers, aided by information compiled from Great Britain and Australia. Action had been taken in the direction of segregating soldiers from the trainingcamps who contracted contagious diseases, and they would not be released until they were fit to join the

forces It was also li is intention to provide for the segregation of women leading immoral lives, who were found to be suffering, from disease. Such women w. re a menace to the people and beyond the pale. The Minister declared that in his opinion men who habitually resented to disorderly houses and were suffering from disease, must also lx segregated. Those proposals were shown, by information contained

in official reports to.be necessary for the protection of public health.

Remarking that he was concerned not with the moral aspect of the question, but Solely with th e protection erf public health. Mr. Russell -said he was considering th c advisability of an educational campaign, commenced probably by extracts fi om the report of the-recent Royal Commission.. This information in the hands of the people would .gnntly help to acquaint the community with the dangers of contagious diseases. Lec-

tures by women doctors for women, and by men doctors for men, were also under consideration. In conclusion, Mr. Russell said that arrangements would be made with the public hospitals to encourage persons suffering from disease to' submit themselves for treatment.

The deputation assured the Minister that his statement had greaty elucidated the Government 's proposals. The speakers expressed general satisfaction with the policy outlined.