Human Stagnation

NZ Truth, Issue 901, 3 March 1923, Page 1

Human Stagnation

Thoso smug, self-satisfied people who wearisomely prate of the "marked progress of the human race" are likely to be perturbed by Professor Edwin Grant Oonklin, of Yale University In a recent article, this writer said 'that m bodily evolution man had made no marked progress for at least 20,000 years. "Undoubtedly," 'says Professor Conklln. "there have been minor changes m the human body, probably nn increasing resistance to certain diseases due to tho elimination of thoso persons who were more susceptible as well os certain degenerative changes In sense organs, hair, teeth, and toos but *ueh changes nro insignificant when compared with those which marked the transition from pro-human ancestors to man. or oven those changes which brought about the differentiation of thu primary rnces or mankind. Tho physical ovolution of man has slowed down tUmo.ft to n n(andstill." Ho. points out that by HciontWlo brooding, horson. cattle, do^fi. and other animals have boon improved wonderfully, whilst tho sheep, although still a. nhoop, is a radically dlfforent animal from what It was even 20 yoarn ago. Whilst not committing himself to tho now nclenco of eugenics. Profosnor Conklln considers that If the humnn rueo ever moves forwnnl again It will bo on new Unen. an.l In wxponne to dlfforont environmental conditions

What is there about the old stock that is so hard to PRIVATIONS kill? • Like old solOF PIONEERS, diers, they "never die; they simply fade away." One by one they "creep silently to rest," these old pioneers whose hardihood has pulled them through experiences that would kill the softer people of the newer generations, and they leo.ve behind them records of things done that have built the nation. One of those who still wax strong is Mrs. .11. McDowell, of Ireland Street, Ponsonby, who last> week celebrated her 89th birthday. This fine old lady was one of the settlers who arrived by the Ganges m F&bruary, 18G5. She was born m County Down, Ireland m 1834, and was married at the ago of 18 to a ganger on the railways near Belfast. Having heard of the young colony of New Zealand, the couple decided to emigrate, and they embarked on the Ganges m 1864. The passage of 101 days was fraught with death and privations. Two seamen were drowned on the voyage, and no less than 56 of the 434 passengers died of whooping cough — of whom 64 were children, plunging parents into the deepest grief. In the midst of this misery 16 children were born! The food on the way out was said to have been very bad. A few months after landing, Mr. McDowell secured a position with Bycroft's, where he remained until his death. :: tt One of the best Is Tom Bloodworth, organising secretary TOM m Auckland of the BLOODWORTH. Amalgamated Society 'of Carpenters and Joiners, and his friends like his chance of being appointed to the position of workers' representative on the Arbitration Court. Tom is a decent sort of a obap, and although ho is always busy, he Is never too busy to have a chat with his pals. In the Auckland City Council h© has made hit; presence felt, and "has shown himself to be absolutely fearless In fighting for the right. Tom knows someI thine: about educational matters, and is a member of the Seddon Memorial | College Hoard of Directors, which perhaps sometimes may strike him as rather a "slow' 1 concern. The other day Tom humorously put m a plen at the City Council for cushions on tho seats In the theatre- gallery. Whenever anything "good" is on, Tom generally treats himself to a seat m the gods. In Palmerston North if you mention j the name of Abraham, THE . people at once Jump to ABRAHAMS, the conclusion that you are talking of Mrs. L. A. Abraham, a fireat social worker and one who is always found m tho lend at doing anything to reliovo distress of any kind, whether It la as a member of the Hospital find Charitable Aid Bonrtl or a committee to gather funds for a OJrls' Hostel. However, this Hcribc is going io set down the virtues of tho other sld<> of tho house — Mr. Lionel A. Abraham. Ills is a most rotlrlnjt personality, but he has sm-h n charming manner that he Is loved nml respected by all ho comes m contact with. Ho Is tho bond of tho well-known firm of Barraud & Abraham, whose ramifications extend far and wide m the North Inland. Hia speciality m business is seeds, and he Is regarded as the foremost expert m the Dominion. He comes from an old English family, and he owes his entry into this fair country to tho fact that his imdo, Chas. Abraham, when he en mo out with Bishop Selwyn. Insisted on bringing that bright nephew ot hid. Mr. Abra-