MENTAL DEFECTIVES BILL.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14110, 1 August 1911, Page 8

MENTAL DEFECTIVES BILL.

APPROVAL OF THE MEASURE,

Speaking of the Mental Defective's Bill, which has been introduced in tho Houso of Representatives by thd Hon. Ceo. Fowlds, Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., said that, knowing no moro of tho Bill than had been published in the local newspapers, ho had formed tho idea that if it becarno law it would be a distinct advance upon tho present system. The safety of the public, he felt sure, would be amply safeguarded by the provisions of tho Bill, so there would bo Httlo to fear in that direction. The change premeditated which pleased him the most was one which was advocated by tho Eugenics Society and which hn and others had advocated upon miiny occasions. In the Bill a mentally detective person was defined as "a person who, owing to his mental condition, required oversight, oare, or control for his own good, or ill tho public interest." At present tho information laid in «ach case read , "a lunatic not being under proper caro and control." Tho benefit to the community of the change proposed to be effected would be apparent to all. A doctor with considerable experience in the case of the mentally afflicted both in England and in tho Dominion, also expressed approval of the Bill, so far as it could be understood from the resume published. The proposed definition of one mentally defective would strengthen the position of officers in jhargo of mental institutions immensely, as it would enable them io socuro Hu; detention of some persons who, while not mad perhaps were in such mental condition that it would not be well for themselves or for the public at largo that" they shouJd nave th«ir liberty. Especially this would be the caso in regard to young women who were mentally defective and sexually degenerate. In his experience medical officers in;chargo of mental hospitals hab! detained such women for as long as possible, being finally compelled to release them despite- the knowledge that they wore likely to breed degenerates. Another good point about the Bill was the provision that those having doubts about their mental condition could obtain entrance to mental hospitals at their own request. Hβ had known of men who realised that they were fit subjects for observation and had desired' to enter an institution, but had been unable to do so because they could not obtain two certificates by medical officers that, they were insane, as required by tho Act.