THE FEEBLE-MINDED

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1926, Page 4

THE FEEBLE-MINDED

A.\ I.VVKSTIGATTOX OF PROBLEMS

MTOLIJNGTON, Aug. 20. A deputation representative of women’s organisations throughout New Zealand waited on the Hon. J. A. ‘Young, minister of Health, to-day, urging him to put into operation the recommendations contained in the repoi t cl the committee under the chairmanship cf the Hon \Y. H. Triggs, which in 11)21 inquired into the subeels of mental defectives and sexual offenders.

In tne course of ins reply, .Mr Young said the problem ot the feeble-minded was a very grave one, and the Government. recognised that, and had set up a commission. 'Hie report had not been pigeon-holed, and would not. he forgotten. The whole question was under consideration now, and Dr Gray, Deputy-Inspector-Genorai of Mental Hospitals, who was much interested in it. was being sent by the Government to Great Britain and Europe to make investigations on this subject, and other matters incidental to the treatment and care of mental defectives. M hatever maud be dene would have to have the support of the public, and it was pleasing to note that women’s organisations were helping the Government to solve this problem. M hatever was done would have to he done in small! steps. Me did not want to say too much at this stage, but it was his duty to give a lead in the matter. He realised that one of the first steps in the solution of the pro- 1 Idem was to get a complete register of all persons who were feeble-minded. Then he suggested steps in the way of forming a Eugenics Board or other similar board with people of the right type. He was sympathetic with the proposal that protection should be given to feeble-minded girls. Apart from the matter being one of economics or philanthropy, there was the question of humanity. He would consult the experts to whom lie looked for advice before the Government brought down legislation. He regretted that it was too late to do anything this session, hut lie hoped to have the co-operation of the deputation in the way of friendly criticism of any proposals when the Government brought down legislation. He looked to ladies organisations to tielp the Government in solving the problem.