SOCIAL DISEASES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17285, 28 September 1916, Page 3

SOCIAL DISEASES.

WOMEN’S ACTIVITY

HOSPITAL BOARD’S SUPPORT. As a sequel to the lectures on social diseases recently delivered in Christchurch, and particularly those to women, a ladies’ committee is in process of formation in Christchurch, to place tli© educational campaign on a firm footing. The recent lectures were given under the auspices of the North Canterbury Hospital Board, and at yesday’s meeting of the board a deputation, consisting of Nurse Maude and Mrs A. Anderson, attended to ask the hoard’s co-oueration in the proposed campaign. Mrs Wilson, who introduced the deputation, said that there was no need to introduce Nurse Maudo, as her face was more familiar than that of tho town clock. Mrs Anderson was the proud mother of four sons at the front, and was eager to devote her time to public service. The recent meetings at tho Colosseum were something wonderful, especially those for women. On the women depended the real welfare of the nation. The board should do something to carry on tho work. It was proposed to start a women’s committee. They wanted sane, sensible women, not prudes nor fanatics, to servo on the committee, to arrange talks or lectures on all heiilth subjects. Tho deputation would like the official back ing of the board. No wildcat schemes would be -introduced. They hoped to be very discreet and very true. Education was better than legislation. The proposed committee would not want large funds, but simply enough for literature and hall expenses. Perhaps the Government could provide some of the funds.

Nurse Maude congratulated the hoard on tho great success of the recent meetings, and said that the board deserved the best thanks of tho public. Tt was proposed to hold a series of monthly lectures given by women to women and girls, and also by doctors to men and boys. Half the trouble was due to the ignorance of the boys sent out to the world. It was possible to teach the sacred mysteries of life in plain fashion. If tho board would help them, the women would gladly co-oper-ate.

In reply, Mr F. Horrell said that in inaugurating tho lectures, the board believed that it would help- the. hospital. He felt sure the, women’s work wouldbe supported, by tho board, as it should be of great benefit to the public. Ho would prefer to have some of the lectures delivered in the oountry. (Hear, hear.) The attendances at the Christchurch lectures showed that the people were anxious on the subject. Tho Minister of Internal Affairs was bound to give all the assistance in his power, and tho hoard would approach him. When tho deputation withdrew, Mr W. W. Tanner moved I That the members of the board hail with approval tho proposed formation of the Women’s Association on the lines indicated by tho deputation, and when formed will bo prepared to give its endorsement to tho policy suggested, and also every assistance in its power. Tho motion was agreed to unanimously. The Hon R. Moore, M.L.C., said that something should be done for the men and the boys. Eventually this phase of the campaign was referred to the Public Health Committee. Later in the proceedings votes of thanks were passed by the board to Dr Pettitt and Dr Platts Mills for their lectures on -the subject.