by no means a sufficient safeguard; that
in addition to such knowledge the cultivation of a high moral standard
is necessary, and if this is reinforced by religious sanctions it is
likely to be more effective.

The Committee agree with the view expressed by Dr. E.T.R. Clarkson in a
recent text-book, entitled "The Venereal Clinic," that in many instances
an excessive stress has been placed upon the factor of fear. He says
that a very small proportion of the community are restrained from
indulging in promiscuous sexual intercourse through fear, and it is
irrational to rely so much upon an emotion which at the best is but
slightly inhibitory, and which cannot in itself exercise a direct
energizing influence for good. "We do not," he continues, "wish to deter
the community from living a life of sexual promiscuity by rendering them
fearful of the possibilities of acquiring venereal disease, but we want
rather to instil such an ideal into them, whether it be of a religious,
ethical, or altruistic nature, as will tend to make them regard such a
life as incongruous with those tenets and therefore as undesirable,
however much it may be desired on other grounds." He adds that the
emphatic reiteration of fear possesses another and dangerous
disadvantage. "There is no doubt, as venereologists will testify, that
many individuals are seriously suffering from the effects of fear thus
engendered in their minds. In some instances the resultant damage to
their mentality is more serious than the venereal disease from which
they are suffering: whilst in others an obsession that they are
infected, when there is no foundation for the fear, may develop in such
a manner as to inflict serious and permanent damage."

SECTION 2.--CLINICS FOR THE TREATMENT OF VENEREAL DISEASE.

Early in 1919 clinics for the treatment of venereal disease were
established in each of the four main centres. Arrangements were made by
the Department of Health for the treatment by Hospital Boards throughout
the Dominion of cases of venereal disease, and in the absence of local
institutions arrangements were made with private practitioners. There is
therefore opportunity for all to receive free treatment, wherever they
may be, in New Zealand.

Table B sets out the work done at the four clinics during the two and a
half years ended 30th June, 1922. From this table it will be seen that
3,038 males and 596 females attended these clinics during the period
named. The to