ALARM EXPRESSED

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23805, 26 November 1942, Page 3

ALARM EXPRESSED

DISEASE DELINQUENCY r Alarm at the reported spread, of venereal disease and the increase in juvenile delinquency was expressed by delegates at last evening’s meeting of the Canterbury School Committees’ Association. , „•,, It was resolved on the motion of Mr F. J. Walklin, of Spreydon, that, owing to the prevailing juvenile delinquency and the prevalence of venereal disease as proved by evidence throughout the Dominion, the association considered that a constructive attempt should be made to overcome the present ignorance displayed in sex matters, and it was suggested that a thorough investigation should be made for the purpose of adopting some suitable form of educational methods to combat the disease. Further, it was urged that trained specialists should be appointed to lecture in the schools on this subject. “Venereal disease is a national scourge,” declared the mover, “and in my opinion inefficient publicity has been given to it.” ~ ~ "It is a delicate question,” said Mr F H. Dephoff, who seconded the motion, “but it can be dealt with in a delicate way.”, , , , . Mr W. T. Langley blamed lack of parental control for present-day troubles associated with adolescent delinquency. “We must also educate .the parents to educate their daughters,” he said. Mr Walklin: The increase m venereal disease always comes with the increase in industrialism in the big centres. Auckland is an example. This problem can only be overcome by education. . It was decided to forward copies of the resolution to the Ministers of Health and Education, also to the Federation of School Committees.