THE NATIONAL PERIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16491, 5 March 1914, Page 6

THE NATIONAL PERIL.

The fact that the executive of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union has. thanked Dr Fenwick for his action in regard to tho treatment of sufferers from syphilis at the Christchurch Hospital ought to reassure those timid folk who have imagined that a movement was on foot for .the restoration of the old objectionable regulations in connection with this devastating disease. Dr Fenwick does not pretend to believe that the adoption of his suggestion will effect all that requires to be done. On this point he has been perfectly frank. But he has disclaimed any intention to make hospital treatment a preliminary to compulsory measures. Later ou when the public fully realise the magnitude of the peril that is actually within their gates they may demand legislation for their own protection, but the old law which made a most unjust distinction between the sexes will never be restored to the Statute Book. No Parliament, whatever its dominant political colour, will ever venture to impose upon women alone a burden which should I>3 borne at least in equal share by men. Happily in this country the day when legislation of that kind was tolerated has gone by. But it is quite possible the crying needs of the situation may demand some very drastic steps for the eradication of the disease, and if this should prove to be the case we trust that the "Women’s Christian Temperance Union and every other organisation representative of the best thought of the sex will join in helping on whatever experience and medical science may show to be necessary for the restoration and maintenance of the health of the nation.