SUB-NORMAL CHILDREN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19156, 23 October 1925, Page 12

SUB-NORMAL CHILDREN.

CARE BY STATE URGED. DIOCESAN SYNOD DISCUSSION. Adequate State care of mentally defective and sub-normal children under seven years of age was urged by speakers at the Diocesan Synod yesterday. A resolution was moved by Rev. P. S. Smallfield to the effect that the Council of Christian Congregations be requested to co-operate with the synod to urge the Government to make provision for the maintenance and special education of the children concerned. Mr. Smallfield said that at present St. Mary's Homes were burdened with the children. The Government had before it recently a valuable report from a commission set up to inquire into the question. If the terms of the report were given effect to there would not be such a large proportion of the children in the Dominion. Mr. C. J. Tunks said it was very necessary. ■ The people of New Zealand should demand that the recommendations in the report should be put into effect, as there was a possibility it would be shelved. The scheme would necessitate the expenditure of a large stim of money, but it would be well worth while. The Rev. G. C. Cruickshanb said they were faced with a very difficult situation at St. Mary's Homes. In the past nothing had been done in New Zealand, but there was now an indication that the Government was about to make a definite move. The motion was carried unanimously.