THE RED SCOURGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1922, Page 5

THE RED SCOURGE.

EVIDENCE OF AUCKLAND WOMEN. VARIOUS PROPOSALS MADE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. Before the Venereal Diseases Committee several women gave evidence on behalf of various organisations. One objected to compulsory notification, advocating free clinics open day and evening, with a. full measure of privacy. The organisation she represented would not oppose compulsory examination in extreme cases, of whicli doctors had been notified by patients who had actually contracted disease from a known source. Witness expressed the opinion that “early treatment” methods tendered to lower the moral standard by giving a false sense of security. A publicity campaign would help to enlighten the public, while instruction shduM -be given in schools by properly qualified teachers. Mrs. Hamsen Lee Cowie said there should be teaching of sex physiology, suppression of quacks, certificates, of health on the side of both parties; before marriage, severe punishment for knowingly infecting another and absolute equality of sexes in treatment, Whefher medical or judicial.

Dr. Murray, medical officer at the Auckland prison, stated that the number of mate prisoners admitted from July, 1920, to July, 1922, was 2511, of which 28 were suffering from venereal disease. Of 210 females admitted during the same period 4 were similarly affected. Of a total number of prisoners only one had been detained for completion of treatment under the 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 than in gaols. ‘Rev. Jasper Calder, Anglican City Missioner, could not too strongly urge compulsory notification and treatment and also inspection. Nobody wanted ithe C.D. Act back, but something approaching it seemed necessary. Quack treatment should be forbidden. “It is not the footballer or the prize-fighter who gets our girls into trouble,” Mr. Calder said. “It is the thin, weak-

kneed youth, who has no vital energy, or physical or moral strength; the sort of chap who is scared to have a cold bath in the morning.”