FIGHTING V.D.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16942, 17 January 1923, Page 8

FIGHTING V.D.

NEED OF EDUCATION. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, January 37. At the Science Congress a paper was read on “ Education as a Factor in the Control of Venereal Diseases ” by Dr Sydney Morris, Director of Public Health in Tasmania. The main purpose of the paper was to advocate an educational campaign, beginning with the- child, in preference to legislative control. During the discussion that followed Dr Elliott- stoutly championed the recommendations made in the. report of the New Zealand Commission, particularly provisional notification. He contended that the Royal Commission in 1 ngland was not opposed to notification itself, but expressed opposition to the pioposal for the simple reason that at that time there were no proper facilities for bringing it into effect. Dr Wilkins of the New Zealand Public Health Department, supported Dr Morris in thinking that the question should be treated as an educational rather than a medical one. We shqulc\ begin in a frank, straightforward manner with the child. Dr Harvey Sutton, of New South Vales, president of the section, said that there was a very general consensus ot opinion in favour of notification, and it should be given a very thorough trial before being abandoned. He sympathised with much that Dr Morris had fraicl in favdur of education, but he agreed with every word that Dr Elliott had urged as regards the importance of i compulsory notification.