STERILISATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 14 March 1936, Page 8

STERILISATION

A METHODIST RESOLUTION SYDNEY, 7th March. In a speech at the Methodist Conference in favour of sterilisation of the physically and mentally unfit, the Rev. I, A. It. Taylor, of Narooma, charged New South Wales with having put the interest of stock breeders before the breeding of a healthy stock of humans. “It is time that this country realised that there are matters of greater importance than improving the breed of pigs and puppies,” declared Mr laylov. “It is a reflection upon our wisdom and our national outlook that we spend large sums of money in the scientific breeding and care of our stock, and disregard all the lessons of science and common sense in regard to the physical and mental fitness of humans, upon whom we depend for the future development of our nation. As Christian people, Methodists should not be afraid to face what is a growing menace. -At present we are permitting the entiy into the world of a large number of unwanted children and mentally deficient children, who, if not murdered before birth, must endure a life of neglect ana misery. If not a menace to society they become a menace on the State. Air Taylor moved the following motion, which was carried'That this conference with a view to - the adoption of legislation adequate to counteract the social ills resulting from the prevalence of mental and physical do[ect and disorder, recommends to tne estate and Federal Governments, through t.ho Ministers of. Health, the advisability ail’d urgency of appointing a rr.mmission of exports .competent (e . examine, ,md report upon hereditary transmission -and other causes of mental defic.eney; and the physical, psychological, and'social value of sterilisation.