View report page

12
PHYSICAL DETERIORATION AND ALCOHOLISM.
With the view of impressing upon young minds the dangers
arising from alcoholism, the Sub-Committee specially appointed for
the purpose, and myself in consultation, decided to issue cards
to each of the scholars at the Council Schools, on which the
following " points " were emphasised
Physical Deterioration and Alcoholism.
The Report of the Committee appointed to consider the above
subject has, by command of His Majesty, presented to Parliament
the following among other statements :—
1. The abuse of Alcoholic Stimulants is a most potent and
•deadly agent of Physical Deterioration.
2. The excessive use of Alcohol renders persons specially
liable to Consumption and all Inflammatory Disorders.
3. The Lunacy Returns show that, as a result of excessive
drinking there is a large and increasing number of persons of
both sexes admitted to the Asylums.
4. In abstinence and moderation is to be sought the source
of muscular vigour and activity.
The Abuse of Alcohol.
1. Weakens a man's physical condition and saps his strength,
and also acts upon his nervous system, weakening his self-control,
exciting his passions, and so leading to crimes, of which
numbers are committed under its direct influence.
2. Is a fruitful cause of accidents, in which not unfrequently,
through the fault of an individual, the lives of many persons
are endangered or destroyed.
3. Is the direct cause of many fatal diseases, and also
aggravates acute illnesses, especially those of an infectious nature,
which latter are well-known to be especially fatal in alcoholic
subjects.