From Alderman Mrs. Kern/sail, J.P.
Sut,-I read with great interest your article on the Report of the Royal Commission on Population and should like heartily to agree with your ot.munent that there were no Catholic members to make the reservations necessary on behalf of at least one-tenth of the population. It is a poor commentary on the alleged democratic system of this country that the only body who has consistently maintained and expounded the Christian view of family life should be excluded from those who were taking evidence.
As one of the five representatives called to give evidence on behalf of the Catholic body, I can hardly say I am surprised at the finding of the Commission concerning Birth Control. The Catholic witnesses underwent a long and most gruelling cross-examination from which they emerged unshaken. The evidence of Dr. Newsholme-a father, a doctor, a Medical Officer of Health and a great public servant-was as moving as it was compelling. One cannot but regret the absence of such a one as a member of the Commission.
The point made by Lady Dollar) in her interview on your front page might be liable to misrepresentation. The fact is the Catholic position with regard to family life was clearly explained by our theologian Canon Mahoney. The Report will no doubt be the subject of intimate study by all Catholic Women's Societies. If the recommendations of the Commission in Para. 536 are carried out the destruction of the Christian family will be complete. Here then is the great challenge to Catholics generally and to Catholic women in particular.
MARY M. C. KEMBALL,
Chairman, National Board of Catholic Women, men,otahnedrs.Public Service Officer, Union of Catholic Kingston,
Monton Green, Manchester.