BLOT ON A BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10711, 8 October 1928, Page 6

BLOT ON A BILL.

LISTING OF BACKWARD CHILDREN. MR. LYSNAR’S PROTEST IN HOUSE. (Special To The Times). WELLINGTON, Oct. if... . In the course of the third reading discussion on the Mental Defectives Bill, Mr. Lysnar said clause 15 had been greatly improved I|y deleting the provision that a child should be considered mentally defective that was backward to the extent of three years as compared with, its fellowpupils. There was, however, v. stigma in the ‘second sub-ctause, which provides for a record being kept of children who are classified as mendefectives. Paragraph (a) of - that sub-clause provided for a return being furnished showing.: “The names of, and other prescribed particulars with respect to, all' children in attendance at any public school or registered private school who he had reason to believe suffer from ictarded mental development, « r from mental deficiency, mental disorder, or. epilepsy.” , ... “My point” said Mr. Lysnar, is that ‘these children should not, under any circumstances, te listed , in this way. it will bo permanent blot against the character of .those children as they mature. We do r.ot know to what extent that list may be used when those young' people come to mature year® and make good citizens. The particulars are to .be put in black and white, on the list, and presumably that list will.be open for .public inspection. If a person wants to harrass a man, he has the mean# if he can find out that as a boy that man-, was placed on the mentally defective list. That is a blot on the Bill which should not 1/3 there.” \ ,"' • ' -