MORAL DRIFT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 221, 18 September 1934, Page 2

MORAL DRIFT

SYDNEY SOCIETY A SERIOUS INDICTMENT. SYDNEY, Sept. 8. Ln spite of almost continuous rain, of the General Election campaign, and of two ghastly murders, the most “fashionable” topic of discussion in Sydney to-day concerns the morals of the community, states a correspondent. There are some people who contend that modern youth is better for the freedom that exists to-day, but there are otdiers—easily a majority, judging by results—who contend that the moral drift is so serious that an urge is needed from some responsible quarter to check it. In the latter connection Sydney society has been seriously indicted by Airs. L. E. Goodisson, secretary of the Racial Hygiene Society. She considers that the fault lies in the carefree attitude that is being adopted towards vice, and contends that the immorality of Sydney society has become blatant. She referred particularly to the loose conduct in the flats and homes of the wealthier classes. According to Airs. Goodisson a young woman nowadays thinks nothing of getting drunk when she is at a party or a dance. Parents no longer exercise strict supervision over their children’s behaviour, Alodern young men and women take t-o drinking as part of their social education, with most detrimental effects on their code of morality. Immorality is condoned by sections of society who should be regarded as leaders of social conduct. ‘‘There is no question that vice is rife in the community,” she said. ‘‘lt seems to me that unless some lead is taken to check the drift, our society in the succeeding generation will be rotten to the core. ’ ’ Canon R. B. 8. Hammond, a great temperance and social worker, said that drinking habits among men were declining, but drinking by women was distinctly on the increase. Thirty years ago the problem was the boy; today the problem was the girl. Boys grew up regarding alcohol as an enemy, because of their healthy athletic ambitions. The social conditions of many modern girls, however, made them look upon alcohol as the right thing. Girls, too, had athletic ambitions, but their sex severely limited their sport. The only way to ~olve the problem of the girl was to teach her when she was a child the healthy and right attitude towards alcoholic drink, in that it undermined control. So far the defence of modern society has been but mildly stated. It has been said that Airs. Goodisson exaggerated her £ase, but no one has offered a straight-out denial of her serious statements. The subject is one that politicians have studiously avoided. 15 barmen will dispense some 200 gallons of beer. 20 gallons of whisky, six gallons each of brandy and gin, 200 bottles of colonial wines, 40 dozen bottles of soda water, and 40 dozen bottles of ginger ale.