PURITY AND MORAL EDUCATION.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 238, 19 April 1915, Page 31

PURITY AND MORAL EDUCATION.

Theodore Roosevelt has said, “Ihe greatness of a nation lies not in its armv, its money, its possessions, but in its homes, for within its homes, and by its mothers are the men of the nation made.” To this we give assent, except as to the mothers alone making the men of the nation. This is half-truth, and, therefore, dangerous in its result. Man has long enough, in poetry and in prose, robbed, and has been robbed of his right to noble fatherhood, and it is high time for him to take his responsibilities with their resulting joys and honours. I pon the virtue of the entire family—not of the wife and mother alone—depends tin* virtue and integrity of the community, the State, the Nation. Likewise destruction and ruin of all that is good follows close upon the trail of vice. Any country with the increasing venereal plague, or perhaps the white slave traffic in its midst, mu-t act, or she will fall, as fell the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

In reference to the White Sluve Traffic, “The Encyclopaedia Britannia” says : —“Though it may exist with national vigour, it* extravagant development is one of the sign? of a rotten and dec a\ing < a phrase which has always marked the decadence of a nation.” We as an organisation which permeates the life of this Dominion have a responsibility—let us remember that the restoration and uplifting of humanitv begins in the home—the work of the parents underlies every other. Society is composed of families, and

is what the heads of families make it; out of the heart are the issues of life, and the heart of the community, ot the Church, of the nation, is the household. 1 here is no sentiment more sac red than the love of mother lor child; no force more potent than the love of child tor mother; no calling more nearly divine than that of maternity. The well being of sot iety, the su< - cess of the Church, the prosperity of the Nation, depend upon home infiu ences, and the character built in our youth of the homes. We would appeal to parents to remember that they may I »y for their children the foundation tor a healthy, happy life; they may send them forth from their homes with moral stamina to resist temptation and courage and strength to wrestle successfully wiih life’s problems We must make* an effort to insj ne in the youth of our Dominion the purpose to develop the power to make their lives an honour to God and a blessing to the world. Let us help our youth to make straight paths lor their feet, through sunshine and shadow, to the glorious heights above. Our time here is short; we can pass through this world but once. As we pass along let u> make the most of life. The work to which we are called does not require wealth or social position, or great ability. It requires a kindly self-sacrificing spirit and a steadfast pun use. Let us have flowing from our various Unions streams of healing, bringing life and beauty and purity. Help the* parents of this Dominion to teach their children how to lx* good, to the prospective grandchildren, that “Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things arc* of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be anv praise, think cn these things.” In conclusion, I have much pleasure in presenting reports from tin* following Cnions:— Ashburtcn. Oyi work Department has not been very extensive. W c have bought several lots of literature and distributed it to seemingly great advantage. There have been several Purity meetings held in our district for men and boys ove r 1 t by the Presbyterian minister; they seem very well attended. We have also given a donation to him to buy literature, hoping by thi> minister’s help to do more in future*. Creymcuth reports : We have not Purity Superintendent, though we' have done a little in this direction. We have distributed a large number of the “Appeal to Men of the Dominion from the W.C.T.C.,” and in various ways have tried to help as far as we* know how, by teaching our boys and girls, and giving books. Norsewood imports: We have butrd literature dealing with tins mb ject. Almost every member takes

“The Purity Advocate, which is devoted to the work of personal and social purity. This is a grand little Amere an journal, and we would heartily recommend it to all lovers of Purity literature. Our plans for the coming year are not decided yet. We bold our first meeting on the i»Sth, but 1 feel c onfident that the Purity Department will always be of interest to our Union. New Plymouth The subject of Purity is often brought up at our meetings, and on two occasions we have hail very interesting and instructive addresses on the subject, one by Lady Holder on her visit tv> New Plymouth from Australia, and Miss Gustad, from l riti, and we realise that there is great need for moral education amongst our young people. We hope we may be able to do more in the future on these lines. Cere reports: We voted ,£i for Purity literature; a good deal of this was distributed. One member agreed to keep some of it on the counter in In r shop (drapery), and sell at cost pri e. A local minister agreed to call a meeting of young men after evening Ihure h one night, w hen an address was given by a doctor, and a large number of those papers, “An A{ peal to the Men of New Zealand,” were distributed. We devoted an afternoon to disc ussion of Purity educational work. Do you think It would be possible for the N.X. Unions to supply small leaflets to each boy or the schools? Mr Bligh suggested “The King’s Daughter’’ as the best he knew for girls. It only id. 1 sometimes think we might do more for boys, and perhaps g r irls too, when they leave school, and thus prevent so n.ucb time on the streets. Waimate Scuth. Wc used 300 of the leaflet, “An Appeal to the Men of \/.fi in the W ,C. r.l ; also sent leaflets to the Bible Class leaders, and had five booklets for lending. A few people were very interesting, but l.iter the one thing to take people’s attention is this terrible war. May it soon be over, and our world a better and happier one for those that are left. Auckland. —The pa*t year being campaign year for No-License and Prohibition, we have given our special attention to that branch of our work, but at the beginning of the year an effort was made to secure the services of a lady speaker with a view of conducting a spec ial mission on Purity lines. Wc were not successful, so tin* matter was allowed to stand over until thi-. year. However, we can report that a good deal of good literature was left at the homes by our Organiser in her house to house visitation. and important resolutions have been passed by our Union and forwarded on to the right quarter. One public meeting has been held, and was well attended, and Mrs LeeCowie gave the address. I hope to have a better report to give next time.

Rangiora. —We have Purity literature in circulation, also medicinal leaflets we are distributing free. In regard to election work, our women have been helping the local League to distribute papers and leaflets. MC£giel. —Our branch i> quite a new thing, and it takes some time to get things into working order. However, we bought several Purity books, and our Superintendent, Mr> Coollce, Gordon Road, has loaned these books out during the year, and has worked in a quiet way. One meeting we read a paper on the subject, w hit h caused a good deal of discussion, several members joining in. I am answering your letter, as the .Superintendent feels that she is not able to; they are all so new at the work, and it is a job to get them to do much. op3tiki. We have no Superintendent for the Purity Department as yet, but during the past year a little Purity literature has been distributed, and several subscribers to the ‘‘Purity Advocate” obtained. I'his is a subject th.it people do want educating in, as so many seem to think th.it the least said about such matters the better. We have thought that it might be a g r ood plan for this Union to procure Stall’s “Sell and S<\" series, and to lend them out like a library, or any other good books. Hoping that this work will grow.

Invercargill. —A large number of books and papers have been given or lent by Mrs 11. I ee ( owic. Mrs Hunter, and Sister Moody ifeli. An ad dress on “White Slave Traffic” by Rev. T. K. Archer at District Con vention. Sister Moody Hell delivered iq Talks with Young Men and Women on “Sweethearts” in various parts of the Dominion, also a large* number of addresses on “The White Slave Traffic.” An address was given by 11. W. Bligh at W.C.T.U. meeting. A book with very unsuitable picture cover at railway bookstall was objected to without avail. The matter was put into the hands of the police, with the* result that prosecution followed, and a fine was imposed. (N.B. — I'he bookstall is now in other hands.) The Kxecutive in reality acts as a Yigi lance* Committee, and have been the means of removing many suggestive postcards from shop windows, etc. Nelson. — Ihc* work of this department has been confined almost entirely to the circulation of literature. We subscribe for four copies of “American Motherhood,” and these arc* circulated amongst our members. Many of our young mothers say, “It is just what i wanted.” Our depot has been maintained during the year, and our assortment of books increased. We hope to extend this work still further during the coming year. A library has been started, with at present 13 books, and cithers to be added shortly ; also “American Motherhood” after it has been round is repaired and placed in the cupboard for further use. During the year we distributed iioo copies of “An Appeal

to Men” and 26 copies of “The Gre.it Scourge” ; 20 copies were given by a fr* nd for circulation amongst the clergy of our district, and six were given by our Union to the Chaplain in c harge of the* Nelson Contingent of the Kxpcditionaiv Korce, for circulation .imong-t the men in his charge, and also s«x> copies of “An Appeal to Men.” At one Good Citizenship nn eting the l*urity Superintendent c | i ned the* discu don on ‘‘The l eac h ini; of Sex Hygiene,” and read Dr. II 11. .tick Smith’s Report on Venereal Diseases. A resolution was carried unanimously in favour of instructing tin young in sex biology and sex hygiene.

N .pier. —The work that can be done in this important department is difficult to record. Preventive measures arc* especially needed, to in every way I o siblc give moral education to the \oung of both sexes, so as to reduce* the many sad cases that are to be* found in Rescue Homes. Very helpful literature can be obtained from our own Dominion Superintendent, and if ea h member of our Union took a greater interest in this work much good would result. I have supplied suitable pamphlets for boys from 12 to 15, at the* request of a Junior Bible Clos leader, who was glad to use these aids to bring the* matter before boys. Knowledge can lx* caref 1111 v imparted that may save many from future ruin. Today we condemn the old statement that “ignorance* is innocence,” and we seek to educate ourselves, and then our 1 hddren, in tlx* be st way to combat ax ial evils. Wc would again emphasise the* fact that it is far better to 1 revent our young people from falling than to provide Homes to rescue* those who, by knowledge properly given, might have been prevented from going astray.

Kaiapoi reports: We* ordered 100 leaflets, “An Appeal to Men of N.Z.,” and posted them to men in our district; later we* ordered another 100 copies, and had them distributed at the* camp of the Kxpeditionary Force in Christchurch. In the early part of the* year we organised an evening inci ting of young women to hear and discus*, a paper on “The White Slave Traffic.” In November a very large m* eting of young women w as held to heir an address by Mr Bligh, lecturer for “The White Cross League.” rh»s coming year wc hope to purchase books from Sirs Dearlovc for distribution amongst the different girls’ Bible Classes in Kaiapoi. Wellington. I write from the District W.C.T.I ~ Wellington, not as Sup *rintendent of the Purity Department, for 1 do not know if there was one appointed for our Union this \ear. As I have done work, I thought you would be glad to bear what has been done. The leaflet which was printed, “An Appeal to Men of New Zealand from the W.C.T.U.—Our Union purchased about 1000, of which 500 were distri-

bute'd among the men of he expeditionary Forces; the* others were given to men at meetings held in our city. 1 have just finished my rounds to the factories and laundries in the Wellington South district, where hundreds of women and girls are employed, and to these Purity literature has been distributed. There are only a few men and boys employed in these establishments, yet I had some for them also. 1 should like* to say that ! was much pleased with tlu* assortment received from Mrs Dearlove this year, and m> sincere prayer is that the seed sown may find a lodging place in many a heart, and bring forth fruit in the life.

Christchurch reports; This subject has been discussed at one of our educational meetings; also the desirability of introducing the teaching of sex physiology into the primary and secondary schools.

Pahiatua reports; This department has been worked in conjunction with tlu* Cradle Roll. 132 Purity books and leaflets have been loaned to mothers; 110 leaflets against White Slave Traffic have been given away by t‘i«* Superintendent; 400cepi.es of the* leaflet, “An Appeal to Men of N.Z.,” by the W.C.T.U., have been distributed by other members of the* Union ; six copies of the* “Purity Advocate” c irculated each quarter, and several pc* .v subscribers obtained. Mrs Field’s paper on the “White Slave Traffic” was read at two meetings; also Mrs Muriel Love 11 Stnith’s paper, “Girls of To-day and Their Greatness,’’ was read at two meetings'. x, is> Lily Wilton was our Suporintcr* cb'iit. I regret that we are losing he r services, owing to the fact that she is leaving Pahiatua to enter the Seventh Day Adventist College. Elfham reports: Have distributed Purity le*arie*ts, and had some talks with mothers, and gave advice when and where have been able to cio >O.

Palrrprston North reports: Four voung girls whose need of help has been brought under our notice have been assisted, and so far have turned out satisfactorily. A number of Purity books have been sold, and private conversations have not been neglected. A fresh supply of books has been obtained, and toe available for sale or lending.

Kaiapoi reports further: W’e organ ised a public: meeting of women to hc*ar and discuss a paper on “The White Slave Traffic.” Have also distributed 100 copies of the “Appeal to the Men of N.Z.”; also obtained another 100 copies for distribution amongst our soldiers. In November we organised a large* meeting of young women, when Mr Bligh. lecturer for the White Cross League, gave a splendid address on Social Purity linc*s.

Pcnsonby. bln* yc.ir that is now passed has been one of much thought and consideration on this question. The United Women’s

C ommittee, of Christchurch, sent us copies oi resolution passed by them, through Miss Roberts. 1 hey were all read, discussed, and passed, namely, proposals lor the better protection ol women and gills, and the care of the feeble-minded. Crime Amendment Hill, introduced by the Yttorney-Gencral, was approved ot, with the exception of one clause. Ihe \ .non is srongly opposed to so mu< h power b**;ng put into the hands of one man, and they greatly object to the Attorney-General being the sole judge. The clause in reference to this they would wish to have removed. 1 hese resolutions were all c >pied and sent to the Premier, Ministers, and M. and to the Speaker of the Legislative Council. Ke venereal diseases, the Special Committee of Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Hoard’s resolutions —1 he detention clause was not approved of. Copies of these resolutions were also forwarded to the ITemier, M.IVs, Minister of I’ublic Health, and the Speaker of Legislative Council. It is iiuite evident that until our rulers admit that the white life for two must be enforced our race is in danger. Replies were received, courteous but non-committal. A letter of appreciation was sent to Ur. I racy lnglis in reference to remarks on venereal diseases before the Conference of Doctors and the So< ial Question? Commission of the Anglican Church; also to Rev. Monckton and Mr Ewington. We have not yet heard what was the outcome of the Commission. The leaflet, “An Appeal to Men of N. was received and distributed. I am glad to be able to report that our Union subscribes to the “Purity A*, vocate,” a splendid and very cheap pamphlet. We now have ib subscribers, chiefly young mothers. We must hope that su< h seeds as the truths contained in its cover may spring upon good ground; we can strongly recommend this pamphlet to our sister Unions. Much teaching is yet needed on this question. Some mothers betrav a vast amount of mo« k modesty, poor deals; they have* >et to learn that Ignorance is not Innocence.

Hamilton reports: We have had ft ur papers dealing with Purity read at our ordinary business meetings; also several helpful talks to mothers at our Home and Kvangelistic meetings, urging mothers not only to safeguard their daughters, but also their sons. We feel that it i> very necessary for our W.C.T.U. to do all we can in this department.

Tirr.aru reports : A paper was read on Soc ial Purity, and also one on Eugenics. 300 leaflets, “An Appeal to Men,” have been procured.

Ciiborne. Have been able to distribute a good number of leaflets; have received letters asking questions on the subject, and have replied, enclosing Purity literature. To my mind, the most lasting work is among the children and young people.

Wellington Central. —Onlv one pub lie meeting has been held during the year, when a short talk to mothers and a paper on Purity were given 10 a large audience, with good results; also Purity literature and le.iH«*i “Helps to Manhood,” have been freeh circulated to Territorials in camp, and a few letters to members, enclosing Purity literature, have also been sent. Much more should have been done, but courage and tact are needed tn dealing with the subject of Purity. I wish to thank the various Unions for their teports, and Mrs I ield for her kindly help during my term of office. !)R. FLORENCE KELLER. Supt. for Purity and Moral Education.