PUBLIC WELFARE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 August 1928, Page 7

PUBLIC WELFARE

ARCHBISHOP DEPLORES PUBLIC APATHY,

(By Telegraph.— Special to “The Mail”)

AUCKLAND, 10th August. “Many , of our -best and .ablest men fhrink froin publifc'cdmmiiriity service,” said Archbishop Averill at an Auckland Chamber of Commerce luncheon in an address in which he deplored the amount of moral apathy displayed toward questions of public welfare. “There is a natural inclination to steer clear of local politics. We are told that we get what we deserve in local body affairs, but if we are apathetic to community government we are failing in the highest purpose of citizenship. It is no use grumbling at those who offer their services-'if we ourselves are unwilling to devote the time and trouble.”

Referring to Government statistics relating to mental hospitals, prisons, divorces, illegitimate births, and decreasing birth-rate, Archbishop Averill reiterated the necessity for forming a moral public opinion on matters which were of the highest consequence to the nation. He was glad to see the .. Gov, eminent had tackled'the very difficult question of mental defectives, and although a great’ deal -would have to be done to bring the present Bill into shape, he trusted that cold water would not be thrown on the Bill to such an extent. that the Government would be induced to withdraw it. The Bill was brought down with the best of intentions, and would be of great service in increasing the virility of the country.