SOCIAL REFORM

Southland Times, Issue 14506, 26 August 1910, Page 5

SOCIAL REFORM

V L.\" L R rCA L DISKAS KS. ( [from Our Parliamentary Keporler.) WELbIXGTCfX, Aus. 2a. There i:; much speculation in and out of the blouse of Representatives about the proposals of a deputation which inlerviowed the lUinistor of .Justice. The deputation asked that certain clauses o£ the Public Health Act should have some force to check the spread of venereal disease. Dr P'indlay had .submitted outlines of proposed amendments of the Act to the various members of the deputation. The Minister litis not indicated the specific nature of Hie request made to him : but a perusal of the Act plainly reveals the direction In which reform is sought. For example section is states : " for the purpose of preventing or ebeekine; the spread of infectious disease ib.e Governor may from time to time, as he thinks fit. make regulations (a i for house to house visitation and inspection of (he houses, the occupants thereof, and the things therein, and also o( ihe outbuildings, yards, drains ; (o) for the isolnlhis or disin'feeling of persons, houses. buildings, places, and things." I'niier section IS. a District Health Officer, if authorised by the Ooveru.ir. may require persons to report themselves or submit themselves for medical examination at spoeihed limes and places. Section:.'.", provides for Ihe sending of notices of infectious diseases In the luslrio! Health Odices. Some members are of opinion that the object t>f the clergy and ulim,- people repro--eniid In the deputation is to secure a sat ist'acl ory amendmeni of the Public Health Aei In lake ihe place of Ihe Contagious 1 Psoases Act. A Hill for [lie repeal of the C. I>. Act has passed Its second reading ; but opoosiiion has been ihrealep.ed foi- the commit lee stage. An amendment of the Public Health Act is regarded as a rca.Minable compromise beiv.-ecn lie- supporters and the opponents of the CO. -Act.