MENTAL DEFECTIVES

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10782, 31 December 1928, Page 6

MENTAL DEFECTIVES

NEW LAW TO BE PROGRESSIVE- - : : L\? ENF ORCED. (Press Aasooiation.) , AUCKLAND, Dec. 29. ' The coming into operation of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act. on January 1 was referred to by the 1 Hon. .A. J. Stallworthy, Minister for Hospitals this morning on his, arrival. from Wellington. “Having regard to the very serious interests involved and due reconciliation- of the equally sacred rights of personal liberty on the one hand with .those of social _ stability and progress on the other, .it will be the policy of the Hospital Department of the Government to develop such • plarts and machinery as* will progressively, give effect to the provisions of the Act in the wisest, possible way.” Mr.Stallworthy also said: “A special board is to be set up under the Act of this year-and will meet at ns early a date as possible in January. With the exception of two members the constitution of the board of seven is.established by the Act itself. The inauguration of the real functioning of the . Mental Hospital Department will he coincident with the first meeting of the board. The problem to be faced is a complex and difficult one, calling for sagacity, patience and sacrifice. However, in thb ultimate, the exercise of those virtues will make for progress in both human and economic spheres.” “it is encouraging, and gives confidence for the future,” be added, “fo reflect that, in past achievements we have amplp demonstration of the moral fibre and capacity of New Zealanders in worthwhile undertakings. Their success in the’ field of social re-adjustment must, depend in the end not on mere legislative enactment nor on theory, hut on applied common sense, found on experience, enlightened by vision and forti-’ aed by faith and hope.”