THE SOCIAL EVIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 205, 30 August 1893, Page 2

THE SOCIAL EVIL.

(To tho Editor.)

In bhe sub-article of laab Thursday's iscuo of bhe Star, dealing with this question, it is said, "What is "wanted in addition to the Inspector's action is that some systematic effort be made to induce these women to lead better lives." I think an effort should also bo made to induce tho men who ?educe our daughters and sisters and tlion leavo thorn to become the dishonoured degraded outcasts they are, to live better lives. It is tho men who support these houses of infamy, who sneak to them under cover of darkness, or in cabs, spending hours in tho company of theso unfortunate women. Thoy bako their place in respectable society, whilst tho poor women arc spurned and shunned. What is virtue in woman should bo virtue in man, and tho disgrace nob all on one side. Mr Earl, in his address for the dofence, on the ICth, said this evil had existed from timo immemorial. Is this any reason why it should continue to exist? I think wo have toloratod bhlß state of affairs long enouf h. It is time for women to tako up this matter in defence of our daughters and selves. This evil is an outrage on Nature. Sho crys aloud against ib, and will be heard, und nob only the wrong doers Buffer, bub

i ~"~ poor little innocenbs generations after. It has been suggested to localize these houses of ill-fame. What neighbourhood will vote to havo them in their midst ? Are men so depraved, so vile, that they will nob restrain their passions! A law 6hould be made dealing with this evil. Any man who is known to seduca a woman should receive severe punishmenb; be treated as a felon. Ib is worse bo rob a woman of her virtue than to tako one's gold.—l am, etc., Meliora, Auckland, August 28th, 1893.