LADIES AND CIGARETTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11538, 24 November 1900, Page 2 (Supplement)

LADIES AND CIGARETTES.

At the autumn assembly of the Baptist Union at Leicester, the Rev. J. Bradford, of London, moved a resolution to the effect that, its attention having been directed to the injurious effects of cigarette smoking on the physical, mental, and moral natures of boys and youths, the Baptist Union urged all pastors, superintendents, and teachers of Sunday-schools, managers of Bands of Hope, etc., to warn all under their charge of the evil, consequences arising from early indulgence in the habit, and directing parents' attention to the same matter.

Mr. Bradford said they were not asked to pass an opinion on the question whether ministers aught to smoke. (Laughter.) The Rev. B. A. Davis, of Shrewsbury, suggested that girls or young women, a3 well as boys, should be included in the resolution. He had been utterly disgusted at seeing a, company of young ladies smoking cigarettes, and he was told that the habit was largely on the increase among young women in the business establishments of the larger towns. When he saw these young women smoking he did not know how to bring before them a better argument against smoking than to just tell them that if they wanted to develop a moustache they should go on with their smoking. (Laughter.) It was the most effectual argument he ever used in his life. (Laughter.) It was agreed to substitute for boys and youths the words "young people," and the resolution, as amended, was carried. A Delegate: May I suggest that those who are interested should enforce their opinions by setting the example? (Laughter and cheers.) The President : I sincerely hope that every one of you will do that. (Laughter.)