THOSE STATISTICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 29 May 1923, Page 6

THOSE STATISTICS.

We do not see fit to condemn the Bishop of YVillochra because some Government statistics were mislead mg. Government statistics have often been guilty of giving wrong impressions during the last GO years, and il the world goes on as at present, the chances are that they will repeat the performance during the next Go years.

The Bishop spoke straight from the shoulder. The slur on the womenfolk of the country was unwarranted in the light of subsequent events, bin the appeal for better morals in the community was both timely and necessary.

j\o tiling better proves the contention of the Society for the Protection 01 Women and Children that the age ot consent should be raised, than the vital statistics which the Bishop hinted at but did not quote correctly because of the Government’s own mis take; therefore the Bishop has dom good service to the country by stirring up its wrath when its super-lino morals (super-fine in its own estimation) are attacked vigorously. Whilo, at the time, wo suggested to the Bishop that the Churches could do more than they are doing at present, wo allied ourselves with his plea, and wo still do.

Bettor far that the country should bo shocked for tho nonce by incorrect figures than that it should have to road stuil such as the ridiculous letter which wo published yesterday, in which tho most absurd and totally disgusting suggestions wero made, oi which one was that tho ago of consent should not bo raised because every girl cast “sheep’s eyes” at men. Critics of the outspoken prelate should compare his plain speech with such balderdash. The result might be beneficial to tl\e community in general.,