THE W.C.T.U. CONVENTION AND SOCIAL REFORM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19013, 8 November 1923, Page 2

THE W.C.T.U. CONVENTION AND SOCIAL REFORM.

Tp THE EDITOR Sin,—Your references in this morning’s Daily Times to Miss Jean Begg’a address at the W.C.T.TJ. Convention made quite refreshing reading. Would that we had in our country more earnest, strong-minded, and experienced women of Miss Begg’s type to lift us out of the rut we have been in so long. It is a blessing to read of one who can fearlessly state that if w© want reform we must move with the times, as tho methods of, say, 40 years ago, are no use to-day, and the sooner we realise that fact the better. No wonder Miss Begg was dumbfounded at tho attitude taken up by the W.C.T.TJ. regarding venereal disease, ©specially when this vile disease is spreading with such rapidity in our land. Does Mrs Don contend that, if an act of compulsion were passed, those who now attend clinics of their own free will would ceas© to attend ? If so, I do not agree with her. It is those* who do not, and will not, attend for treatment whom the Act would affect, and they are the worst offenders. Then, again, it is a fact, as Miss Begg remarked, that there are many who attend for treatment only until relieved, and they are free to mix with their fellows, and so tho spreading of this dread disease goes on. A hundred .times better that a cure were effected than not. It is time there was a change, and if we could only eet aside our mock modesty, face the real facts of to-day, and think for ourselves before giving our weak segis to any kind of resolution that comes up, I venture to say we would be doing something worth while. Then, again, any right thinking person who secs things as they arc to-day, knows that dancing has come to stay, but it is “ up to us ” to keep the dance halls fit places for our young people to dance in. Why should dances not be conducted under a licensed person’s authority? Not a® to-day, when any person who cares to do so can run a dance, sometimes under not the nicest circumstances. There is great'scope here in New Zealand for strong, earnest women, to whonj we, who through home ties must stand aside to a certain extent, riligbt give our support and encouragement when opportunity offers. Women who have fitted themselves, by practical experience, who have studied these social problems to their very roots, are those who can help, and they only are fitted, especially in matters pertaining to the social problems of their own sex. Wo speak of women’s franchise and eav we have led the world. Do we lead now? Whyare wo so far behind other countries in the world? Wo are not even represented by one woman in our Parliament, and very few have been elected to town councils—never one in our town of Dunedin. Other countries have the assistance of women sitting in their Parliaments and their understanding, and 1 thoughtful attention, have been invaluable. Let us tvomen here in New Zealand come out and support those who have fitted themselves—yes, and sacrificed many things—to bring about a better state of social life (for no man, no matter how sympathetic, can understand the motives which often lead to trouble and degradation in a woman as on© of her own sex can. Let us have social purity through the removal of the drink traffic if possible, but until then somethin" different must be .lone to ie-sson this social evil for the sake of the innocent and those who will not help themselves.—l am, 1 et °:• ~ Mopers Reform. Dunedin, November 7.