MISS ROYDEN AND SMOKING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19966, 7 June 1928, Page 12

MISS ROYDEN AND SMOKING.

Sir,—Judging by the correspondence in regard to her sayings and doings, her ideals and beliefs, which has appeared in your columns since her visit, it is evident that, with the exception of "T.E.M.", few seem to understand Miss Maude Royden and her viewpoint. Undoubtedly she is far ahead of her time. Her spiritual sense is too refined and high to be appreciated as yet (2000 years after Christ preached the "Gospel on the Mount) either by the business world, or by the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. Yet still we call ourselves Christians. With the women of other countries the habit of smoking is as customary as for men. Why should it not be so with us ? If smoking is not a religious question for men, neither should it be for women. A wise man has said, "It is necessary for the true growth of mortals, that each one be allowed freedom to express his or her own individuality." Miss Royden spoke magnificently of the courage and bravery of women in motherhood. I, for one, believe that woman would be as brave in giving up a habit such as smoking if and when such habit be found to be deleterious to herself and her children. The point I consider particularly objectionable is the fact that the criticisms of your correspondents appear after Miss Royden has left the country. Miss Royden gave all her audiences the opportunity of putting questions at the close of her lectures. If it was impossible to go further into the matter of cigarette smoking while she was here, then I certainly think that British fairplav should have led us all to pick out and appreciate the wealth of goodness in Miss Royden's teaching, and leave the small matter of an occasional cigarette to oblivion. Veritas.

Sir, —I was much surprised to read in the papers that a professing Christian lady should not only smoke herself, but also recommended other people to do the same. I am an old smoker myself, but would never advise any other person to start the filthy habit. There is <i little excuse for some of us who have been old! campaigners and have had some trying times. I look upon cigarette smoking asi one of the greatest- curses of the present age. As I walk along the street I meet a miserable-looking bov or young man, with a cigarette in his mouth. You can tell at once what is the matter with him. Anti-Cigarette.