SEX EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18059, 6 April 1922, Page 3

SEX EDUCATION.

Sir,—With deep interest I read the report of Dr. Pettit's views on "Sex Education." With due deference to medical authority, I still question the necessity of universal teaching oa the subject. Where girls are concerned, _it would probably serve a very definite! purpose if modesty in dress, deportment, speech, and action were taught in both homes and schools. Certainly, moral disaster can only happen after a very considerable lapse of decent feminine reticence. Moreover, there is no girl child above the age of infancy whose instincts, fail to warn her of danger. _ As to the boys—is it impossible to train fchem to " honour for honour's sake" without conjuring up the moral policeman, "consequences in all the most degraded and hiaeous aspects? Youngsters who are taught to be clean of speech and action have no need of the bitter knowledge that is the scourge of later years. According to Holy Writ, evil befell our first parents after they had tasted of the Tree of Knowledge. If Dr. Pettit's views became general, why, there would be no children—only miniature men and women of the world. And after all, have we not the Divine pronouncement on the little ones: "Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven"? Ad Astsa<