CRIMES AGAINST GIRLS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 35, 9 February 1917, Page 7

CRIMES AGAINST GIRLS.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —With reference to the article " Crimes Againsfc-Girls " in your issue of the 6th instant, T firmly believe 'that many of the sexual offences of which we so often hear are the outcome of absolute ignorance concerning the only lawful and right use of the sexual functions. Another fruitful cause of sexual offences is the lack of reasonable parental control. The means of prevention which I would suggest are: —(a) Truthful instruction upon the right and lawful use of the sexual functions. Thi3 instruction could be given most properly by: the parents, or else permit the schoolmaster or mistress to have private talks upon this subject with the pupils before they finally- leave school, and -take- up other work. If both parents and teachers would ralher not mention the subject from a false sense of delicacy, then put into the hands of the young people some of the recognised publication on the sub* ject, books such as Dr. L. B. Sperry's 'Confidential Talk" series, Dr. Stall's "■ Self and Sex Series," or Dr. John Cowan's "The Science of a New Life." these book 3 are reliable, and all obtainable from the leading stationers. (b) Let parents impress upon their children from the moment they are able to understand, that it is their duty to obey those who have rightful authority over them. If this is done, the home life of _the future will be brightened, and the work of teachers and masters made pleasanter. I believe that the penalties imposed upon sexual offenders should be most drastic- Immorality is a canker which threatens our whole social life, and can' only be appreciably diminished by harsh measures. A most drastic sentence would in many cases have-the desired effect.—l am, etc., R_.F.,. . . . Minister, Raetihi.