VENEREAL DISEASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3673, 5 August 1924, Page 22

VENEREAL DISEASE.

PREVALENCE IN NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, August 1. A prominent social worker recently made a statement alleging that the inflow of immigration into New Zealand W’as causing an increased prevalence of venereal disease owing to some immigrants suffering from the disease. The Health Department took the matter up, asking the hospital boards in the main centres and the Commissioner for Police for reports. The medical officer at the Wellington clinic replied that a remarkably small number of cases did not indicate that venereal disease was being spread or increased by immigration Auckland replied: “The number of new comers admitted tor this class of disease is negligible.” Dr Falconer Brown replied: There is no reason to connect the prevalence of cases in any way with immigration.” The Christhiirch board replied: “We have not been notified of any evidence that newcomers are increasing the prevalence of venereal diseases. In marital cases it was usual a New Zealander- who had contracted the disease abroad during war.” The Medical Superintendent. Dunedin, reported: “Members of the crews of visiting vessels are very active agents in spreading venereal disease in the dominion.” A reporter was informed that there is an international agreement to which New Zealand is a party whereby crews of ships receive free treatment in ail the main ports for venereal disease. The report of the Police Commissioner states that in one district the disease among the Maoris is due to association with low caste Indians who mixed freely with tho natives. A passenger who arrived reently contracted tho disease at Panama and agreed to attend the Auckland Hospital for treatment. Tho South Island report said: “Inquiries d-o not show that any increase in venereal disease can be attributed to immigrants. There is no evidene that any of them have brought the disease.” The Director-General of Health wrote to the Immigration Department as follows:—■ •‘The replies indicate that the statement is practially without foundation. There is no evidence that the inflow of immigrants is affecting the incidence of venereal disease in this country.”