V.D. COMMITTEE’S INQUIRY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 235, 16 September 1922, Page 7

V.D. COMMITTEE’S INQUIRY.

MORE INSTRUCTIVE EVIDENCE. Wellington. September 15. At the Venereal Diseases inquiry Mr. Malcolm Fraser, Government Statistician, wrote quoting the resolution of the Empire statistical conference that confidential certification of causes of death would remove the present systematic error, due to lack of candour under the system of open certification. Dr. Buck described the prevalence of disease among Maoris, and claimed that it was first introduced by whalers and traders in the early days. It was less evident now than among the whites, and was comparatively rare. Maoris were not a source of danger to the whites, the contrary being the case. Among the evidence opposing compulsory notification was a letter from Lady Stout, who urged that evidence showed there was very little venereal disease in the Dominion. There was no evidence that patients would willingly attend clinics to be notified, and the fact had been camouflaged; that secret information and compulsory examination of women, which was legalised indecent assault by the State, and police supervision, must follow notification if it is to be effective. Major Winton, of the Salvation Army, stated that as a. result of long experience in social work, as well as padre with the troops, he was a strong advoctate of compulsory notiii'.at’on. Those who taught education, etc., was sufficient did not display adeqnta acquaintance with the subject.