THE USE OF THE LASH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15705, 6 March 1913, Page 3

THE USE OF THE LASH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir—Neither the lash nor t.he vicious method suggested by " Science " show any enlightenment in dealing with sexual perverts. Society cannot expect to gain anything by committing a. crime on the criminal in cold vengeance. It is the mind that first errs, and if " Science " thinks to cjire llio mind by mutilating the body it is working against nature, and must fail. Hiese barbarous methods of reform have been resorted to in the past, when morality lapsed through lack of leaders, and if society hopes to rid itself of its l social sores by striking at its neglected units in a brutal fashion, it lias yet to learn that such unwholesome means provide no balm, but only irritate the sore. _ It is characteristic of an unenlightened impulsivo community that it Strikes at its offending members without considering the primary aad contributory causes of the "offence, end it seeks to cast the onus pf its protection wholly on the State. When it has fulfilled its obligation to its various members it may then seek the assistance of tho State as tho ultimate restraining force. Wo call ourselves Christian, but until those who "would lead the way c<i.n throw some light on such like problems, wc mil wear our mantle with ill-becoming grace -I am, etc., g EXSEi '