Volume 2

Health lectures for the people.

Date:
1883-1892
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Health lectures for the people. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    193/600 (page 181)
    undoubtedly one of the saddest things which exist in our country. (Applause.) Now, I cannot but think that this Health Society of ours is doing great work in this direction. We hold that one of the most important things in connection with real temperance, the most important in my opinion, is the practical education OF THE PEOPLE—teaching them what is good for them and what is not good for them, teaching them to have healthy homes, CLEANLY BODIES, SIMPLE FOOD AND DRINK, and also PROPER AMUSEMENTS. We have also pointed out the importance of getting hold of the very poor children when they are quite young, and not only teaching them but feeding them and clothing them properly. I think if the Health Society continues its labours in this great educational work, they will certainly be assisting to an appreciable extent this great cause of true Tem- perance, and not only temperance in drink, but temperance in all things, I would ask you now to look at the Financial Statement at the end of the Eeport. I am sorry to say this is not satisfactory. Practically speaking, we are not living upon our income. This year we have had to encroach on our capital to the extent of nearly £20. Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not as it should be. If you, as members of this Society, think it is doing good, that it is benefitting all classes, then I think that we are justified in expecting that you shonld do a little more in the way of adding to our funds. (Applause.) We do not ask for much ;—we do not expend a great deal, as, you know, all our lecturers give their services free, and therefore I think it is scarcely creditable to the citizens of Edinburgh that its Health Society, which is generally acknowledged to be doing good work, and which provides such excellent lectures by distinguished men, should not be able, at least, to pay its way each year. We shall be very happy, therefore, to receive to-night, or at any other time, subscriptions, which will, if possible, take this discredit from us. (Applause.) I will now conclude by moving the adoption of the Report, (Applause.)