CURRENT TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7868, 2 August 1911, Page 6

CURRENT TOPICS

KAPITI ISLAND SANCTUARY. Referring: to the intention of the Government to make Kapiti Island a popular holiday resort for the people of Wellington, the “Lyttelton Times” comments tbrs • —“The Minister states that dogs and guns will not be taken to the island and' that there will ho ‘no interference’ with the native birds, but it is not easy to share his confidence on these points. The casual holidaymaker is possessed of neither reason nor conscience where the beauties of, nature are concerned. Unless a smell army of rangers ia going to be employed on Kapiti Island the hush will be ravaged, nests will be taken, and the birds will be very seriously disturbed. These evils might be faced if the necessities of Wellington were pressing, but as a matter of fact the cities of New Zealand are very< well provided with holiday resorts, and we have heard of no public demand for the violation of the Dominion’s most important bird sanctuary.’’ “SLUM:” LECTURE. The City Council Free Library lecture at the Town Hall concert chamber on Monday evening is likely to attract considerable attention, for tho lecturer, Mr Charles C. Reade, of Auckland, has taken great care to prepare his facts regarding tho overcrowded areas of Auckland and Wellington. Ho will endeavour to show that strict municipal supervision cannot cope with tho evil conditions which prevail in some quarters of the big cities, and hopes to arouse public opinion to a sense of the urgent need for further reform, as well as the taking of precautions for tho future. Over a hundred excellent photographs will be screened showing the actual state of affairs in parts of Auckland and Wellington, and by way of contrast, pleasant views of garden cities in the older lands. TREATMENT OF DEFECTIVES. Speaking of the Mental Defectives Bill which has been introduced in the House of Representatives by the Hon'. ‘George Row-ids, Mr H. W. Bishop. S.M. (Christchurch), said that he had formed the idea that if it became law it would be a distinct advance upon tho present system. The safety of tho public, ho felt sure, would be amply safeguarded by the provision of the Bill, eo there would bo little to fear in that direction. A doctor with considerable experience in the case of the mentally afflicted, both in England and in the Dominion, also expressed approval of the Bill, eo far as it ’could be understood from the resume -published. The proposed definition of "one mentally defective” would strengthen tho position of officers in charge of mental institutions immensely, as it would enable them to secure the detention of some persons who, while not mad, perhaps were in such mental condition that it would not be well for themselves or for tho ‘public at largo that they should have their liberty. Especially this would be the case in regard to young women who were mentally defective and sexually degenerate. In his experience medical officer’s in charge of ’mental hospitals had detained such women for as long as possible, being finally compelled to release them despite the knowledge that they were likely to breed degenerates. Another, good point about the Bill was the provision that those having doubts about their mental condition could obtain entrance to mental hospitals at their own request. He had. known of men who realised that they were fit subjects for observation, and had desired to enter an institution, hut had been unable to do so because they could not obtain two certificates by medical officers that they were ins me, as required by the Act. FARMERS AND POLITICS. Interviewed by a “Timaru Herald” reporter, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, Minister of Agriculture, was asked his views on the present attitude of tho Farmers’ Union in regard to politics. He said:— “If it means that the farmers are going to form an opposition party—as a -good many people say it does—it must of course place that body upon a now basis. The motto of the Farmers’ Union hitherto has been: ‘principles, not party.’ At tho moment, I cannot help thinking that tho change may bring about a different attitude towards their body. Speaking as Minister of Agriculture, I may say that I have endeavoured to raise my,work above party. When party enters into a question, there is a tendency, perhaps unconsciously, to see only evil in all that is done by those with whom, for the time being, they are not in accord. No one has been more devoted to the interests of agriculture than I have been during the twenty-four years that I have been associated with public life. In the government of a countty it is not wise for any section of the community to elect members solely on promises given to that particular section. There art) developing factors in our community at the present time, which have to be handled with no ordinary care, and in the event of such not being exercised, consequences may arise which would take many years to correct, if correction be possible at all. The census returns show an enormously increased urban population, although some years ago there was a difference of 30 per cent, in favour of the country. The urban population now exceeds that of the country. By reason of the fights put up by other country members and myself, the country districts have enjoyed some advantages over the urb'an districts, and the rural population should remember this in any legislation that may be ’sought. . . • Reverting to the Farmers’ Union, I can only say that I cannot

help thinking that more good will be done hy their striking’for what they require, on the lines on which they have been working for some tiiea, than by entering into a party fight. It may bo said that in speaking thus, I am in fear of the consequences to the Government, but that is not so. X speak quite impersonally and as one who has the best interests of agriculture deeply at heart. Let the farmers select tho man they think is best qualified to help them, and trust him to do so rather than endeavour to make a delegate of him-”