THE C.D. ACT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8223, 7 April 1890, Page 3

THE C.D. ACT.

TO THE EDITOR. —Your correspondent, Mr. Varley, is doubtless a good preacher and a conscientious man, but I think his arguments on the above subject are inconsistent, and apparently tinged with local inferences. lie tells us that .'sir Fred Roberts and other military commanders are driven to their wits' end to deal with the increasing percentage of venereal and syphilitic diseases where the operation of the C.D. Act is no longer iii force, but this statement does not agree with his remarks elsewhere that the operations of the Act have increased contagious disorders ! We know that while we continue to have army and navy certain things must be allowed that we read of (even in Biblical history) if our wives and daughters are to bo protected. Shall we show any more wisdom if we ignore this fact ? It is quite possible to work the provisions of this Act without giving women any certificate to exhibit; and was, I think, so managed here. Our experiences of moral and religious influences on fallen women show few good results. Can those who are willing to do little but preach and talk explain why this is the case Mr. Varley infers that men are much more guilty than women. I am afraid his practical experiences of seaport towns are limited, for I am not quite ready to agree with him on that point. Certain it is that we know who can communicate the disease with most impunity and to the greatest number; and so long a3 the law allows women to ply their trade on the streets and maintain houses of ill-fame (often owned by persons professing religion) so long is there no injustice in enforcing medical examination, and when men do likewise let them be equally liable. To rail at the provisions of the Act in dealing with this matter without showing how it could be remedied is unreasonable, and lows that those who abuse it are doing soon sentimental grounds. When Mr. Varley talks about the dreadful penalties being right, has he a thought for the innocent victims who are born to inherit and transmit syphilitic taint to others ? Too many of such people as Mr. Varley are content to preach and do little else, content to to know that both the guilty and the innocent suffer alike. I think Mr. Varley has been misled in his statements about the medical men refusing to take charge of tha C.D. Hospital; there was no difficulty in getting any number of practitioners, "and indeed, if would be a reflection on the profession if it were otherwise. Mr. Varley makes certain statements, such as the increase of the C.D. diseases where the Act; was established, etc. He gives no names of towns or particulars. I think we should be favoured with some correct particulars, and th® same applies to his statements of the position in France. Of course, there is a great deal ta be said on both sides of this question, bub nothing is gained by vague reports of results not based on facts shown, because it only strengthens the minds of those who consider the opposition is not founded on either morality or charity, but on a sentimental and quasireligious ground, in hopes that it may prevent men from sinning lor fear of the consequences. As to how those consequences affect the innocent, they are utterly and perfectly indifferent.—l am, &c., Parent.