‘Pioneer Women’

Press, 28 June 1983, Page 20

‘Pioneer Women’

Sir,—l think Nancy Sutherland’s letter mentioning Dr Betty Glennie’s efforts to draw the public’s attention to venereal disease was very interesting. I have had the satisfaction of Dr Glennie’s foresight and outspokenness witnessed in person from platforms in Christchurch and she is to be listened to carefully. The education of our children should include far more knowledge of this subject. I wholeheartedly agree that to turn away from reality of this dreaded disease to ban television viewing of the film at peak time was a mistake. Let us not shield our children from truth, but before it is too late let them learn the sorrow, pain and humiliation that goes with this disease, and before they have sexual intercourse know the harm and trouble they can finish up with. — Yours, etc., (Mrs) MURIEL PHILLIPSON. June 24, 1983.

Sir,—Agreeing with Nancy Sutherland (June 23) that the Ettie Rout story should have been shown earlier, I feel that the 20-odd minutes were inadequate for a true picture. Incidentally, my uncle, Jim Thorn, was jailed for sedition, not conscientious objection, being educated in the Canterbury Roughriders, and fighting in the Boer War. Little survives of Ettie’s efforts, for the socialist idealism which fired her campaign against military, medical, religious and Tory repression, has been eradicated. In four years of World War 11, I heard no venereal disease warnings, the nearest being a doctor’s humorous obliquity when our flying-boat relieved three crewless Sunderlands in Madagascar: “Don’t give me too much work. I have 29 of 33 Aussies unserviceable, two with malaria.” The “lagooned” aircraft exposed a helpless convoy to submarine attack, all through gonorrhoea. — Yours, etc., VARIAN J. WILSON. June 23, 1983. Sir,—The desirability for family viewing of Ettie Rout, pioneer, covers a wider field than that of the increasing incidence of sexually

transmitted diseases. She campaigned for healthy bodies, healthy food and healthy habits in the 19205, and the practical measures she put forward in her books and articles are as necessary today as they were then. Such advice, if followed, would alleviate many ills that can be easily remedied. Corpulence, obesity and constipation in men and women; hernia among workers; pregnancy and post-natal prolapse; poor eating habits and poor posture — all can be prevented or restored. Together with eminent medical authorities she realised that, in civilised communities pelvic defects such as hernia and prolapse were (and are) very common. Public education is needed. Her life and work is of such immediate significance that more programmes should be based upon it. — Yours, etc., NANCY SUTHERLAND. June 22, 1983.