OPIUM DRINKING BY ENGLISH WOMEN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2170, 5 June 1886, Page 2 (Supplement)

OPIUM DRINKING BY ENGLISH WOMEN.

Some startling statements aa to the prevalent use of opium in England are contained says the Northern Echo, in the yearly report just submitted to the S penny moor Local Board. By Dr. O'Hanlon, their medical officer thus writes:— "Few people are aware of the enormona consumption of opium by miners' wives. They are left alone either a great' part of the day or night, and one teaches another the habit. Women should be aware that indulging in this practice while they are suckling children they are practically poisoning their offspring, as their milk imbibes the drug." From inquries we (says the Northern Echo) have made of local expert* in drugs, it would appear that the opiom draughts which Dr. O'Hanlon says are consumed in " enormous " quantities, though of so highly deleterious a nature, may be enjoyed without rentriction by those who are infatuated with the degrading vice. Medical men tell us that the decoction it one of simple prescription i About two and a half ounces of opium are diluted in a pint of proof spirit, and the necewary ingredients may be purchased of the chemists practically without let or hindrance. The condition induced by opium drinking is that of intoxication after another fashion. The serious nature of the statements forthcoming from Dr. O'Hanlon induced ns to commission one of our representatives to tnako personal inquiries on the spot a* to the extent and general features of the alleged evil. The investigations made leave it clear that, among the profeision in Snennymoor, Dr. O'Hanlon in alone in his bold and emphatic declaration with respect to opium-drinking. It must be remembered that this is not the first time thnt Dr. O'Hanlan has publicly denounced the vice of opium drinking ; and we may here mention that both Dr. Parsons and and Dr. Page, who are attached to the offices of the Local Government Board, have each, at former periods, been in communication with Dr. O'Hanlon on the name subjeot, and have been satisfied by the doctor that the report! rest upon foundations of truth, strengthened by observation and experience. It would be idle, on the othor hand, to attempt to con* oeal the indignation which prevails among those to whom the doctor points bis finger.