THE SCARLET SCOURGE

NZ Truth, Issue 568, 6 May 1916, Page 3

THE SCARLET SCOURGE

"Truth's Suggestions Adopted What General Henderson has Done and is Doing Some six weeks ago, m dealing with the great growth m the number of venereal cases among soldiers m camp, "Truth" made certain practical suggestions with a view to* helping the Defence Department to stem the tide of the disease. The article m question and the suggestions made therein were deemed sufficiently- weighty to merit the careful consideration of General Henderson and his stßff of medical officers responsible for the health of the men In camp. The result has been that most of the suggestions made m these columns HAVE BEEN ADOPTED, and the Department are of the opinion that the growth of the evil has not only been effectively stopped, but that, from now forward, it will be a lessening cause of anxiety and. trouble. General Hendersdn reports that everything is being done, first of all by lectures to teach the men sell-re-liance and the great need as well as tho great good m avoiding excesses of all kinds. In this connection they are constantly reminded of the worda m Lord Kitchener's message: Tour duty cannot bo done unless your health is sound. Keep constantly on your guard against any excesses. In this new experience you may find temptations both m wine and women. You must entiroly resist both temptations, and while treating all women with perfect courtesy, you should avoid any intimacy. ; Lectures arc being given also for' tho purpose of showing the merit tho evil after effects of venereal, diseases. Young men are shown what awful , forms Of suffering their carelessness of to-day may be responsible fojc bringing years hence, not only upon themselves, but upon tlieir wives and children. In this way they are being shown the necessity of abstinenco and those who do Indulgo In promiscuous intercourse, the need of great fcaro and cleanliness In order to safeguard themselves and others against contagion. Tho mdn are encouraged on their return to camp to avail themselves of a prophylactic which is to be provided. They are instructed, also, that "attor" precautions ', ARE BUT "MAKESHIFTS" ( even at the best, and that they should adopt other methods, which tiro known to bo an almost infallible safeguard. This last, with tho administration of a prophylactic on return to camp, would remove all danger. But to be an efficient soldier, just as to bo oa efficient footballer; boxer, or efficient m any other form of uport, it is necessary that raon should go Into training m earnest and refrain from indulgence entirely.