MEDICAL CONGRESS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7914, 25 September 1911, Page 7

MEDICAL CONGRESS

CARE OF FEEBLE-MINDED SOME DRASTIC SUGGESTIONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, September 23. The Medical Congress held an important discussion on the subject of the feeble-minded. Dr Fishbourne advocated the creation of separate colonies, and dwelt on the necessity of legislative interference, in order to check the increase of feeblemindedness, which was the most hereditary of all diseases, to prevent existing conditions, and provide for the helpless and half-witted population. Dr Stevens, of America, favoured the Spartan idea of putting to death the feeble-minded early in life. We had no use for anybody whose moral aspect was doubtful. The question resolved itself into the survival of the fittest. The mental balance of the nation must be maintained. The question of emasculation should also be seriously considered ; it would materially reduce the number of inmates of j prisons and asylums. INSPECTION OP IMMIGRANTS. SYDNEY, September 23. The sectional sittings of the Congress have concluded. Dr Weihen, in a paper, emphasised the necessity of thorough medical inspection of immigrants. Cases of advanced consumption among immigrants were becoming ominously frequent.

CLOSE OP THE CONGRESS. NEST SESSION AT AUCKLAND, . 1914. (Received September 25, 0.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, September 24. The Medical Congress has closed. The resolutions recommended by the different sections were adopted. On the motion of Dr Valintine, chief Inspector of Hospitals, New Zealand, it was decided that the next session of the. congress should be held at Auckland in 1914. Dr Valintine extended a warm invitation to delegates. Dr Purohas was elected president of the congress until next session.