West Coast Times TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1904 A GREAT SOCIAL PROBLEM.

West Coast Times, Issue 13079, 5 January 1904, Page 2

West Coast Times TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1904 A GREAT SOCIAL PROBLEM.

Dr Chappie of Wellington is the author of a treatise on one of the priucipal social problems of our very complex c.vilieation, the title of which "The Fertility of the Unfit" explains its nature ard scope. The work deals with the increasing danger to society of the growth of the criminal class, and of what he tirm* "defectives" gpneral'y, a fact which he establishes by authoritative stitistics. These defectives, the criminal, the pauper, the idiot and imbecile, the lunatic, the drunkard, the deformed, and the diseased are at once a burden and a menace to society, and the author seta himself the onerous, not to say monumental task, of proposing how the increase of their propagation shall in future, not only be prevented but actually reetricted and reduced to harmless proportions. Without any further elaboration of the question everyone will understand its vast importance to the future welfare of civilisation, and equally so will they appreciate the magnitude of Dr Chappie's task in endeavouring to find a remedy for so great and far reashing an evil. Like the Knight of old who sallied forth to slay the dragon, Dr Chappie faces his problem boldly and with confidence, and there is not a tcune of indefiniteoess in his remedy which is simple but exceedingly drastic. He would weed out all degenerates by a method of natural selection ami would prevent all who are physically or mentally unfit — the defectives we have enumerated — from perpetuating their kind. There is no doubt the book will be received by the public wherever it is read with very mixed feelings, and it is likely to be the subject of much controversy. The Rev Rutherford Waddell of Dunedin, a gentleman who is known a3 a deep thinker writes a preface to tha work wherein he he says: "I read the substance of it in M S.S. and was deeply impressed by it. But still lam in some doubt. I am not ready to accept at once Dr Chappie's proposed remedy. Neither am 1 prepared to reject it. lam simply an engineer trying to arrive at the truth regarding this clamant social problem. The time certainly come when the issues raised in Dr Chappie's book must be faced. It is very desirable therefore, that the public should have these put before it in a frank cautious way by experts who understand what they are writing about, and have a due sense of the grave responsibilities involved. Dr Chappie's contribution seems to me very fully to satisfy these requirements."

lhe Rev Dr Waddell's attitude towards the problem as presented by Dr Chappie, it appears to us, is precisely the frame of raind in which the public will receive the treatise on "The Fertility of the Unfit." Most people will fully recognise the gravity of the position as he propounds, but not all nor perhaps the mdjority will be prepared to accept his proposed remedy. Notwithstanding this, however, Dr Chappie deserves the thanks of the public for even attempting to grapple with a great question which, as the Rev Mr Waddell says, must bo faced sooner or later. The author has dealt with his subject in a frank, manly, scientific manner, which must commend itself to all though his conclusions may possibly shock some of his readers. As th 3 writer of hia preface siy, it is probably as well tlat they should, as it may lead to thought and criticism of a subject that it is pleasanter to shirk, but which is, nevertheltss, of vital importance to everyone. Dr Waddell characterises the writings of Dr Chappie on the subject as "limply, thorough and reverent" and though he may possibly err both in his premises and conclusions, thia is great and well deserved appreciation. It IS a bootless and profitless taak for laymen to discu-s the scientific side of the problem raised by Dr Chappie, and which has been discussed by many writers on sociology before him We have no intention of doing so, but ie appears to us he has approached bis snbject entirely from the scientific aide, taking into little account the very elements of human nature. We do not think it is demonstrable that Dr Cbapple or anyone else can divide humanity into two distinct section?, those who are entirely sound and well balanced mentally and physically, and those who are degenerates, any more than that it can be shown that one half of the raca have a monopoly of all the virtues and the other

half of all the vices. Tte nature of all human beings is mixed and complex and it is frequei tly said, wit'i more than a tnodicumof truth, fchit it is a fine line of demarcation between sanity and insanity. The brightest intellecfs have developed a tendency t > weakness on s >me point or other and heredity has not been accountable for tbe fact. It ip, for these reasons we have said that Dr Caapple has set himself a task of great mignitude, but even allowing that ho can separate the sheep from the goats, we would nob be prepared to accept his solution of the problem at ."ight else shall we confess our boasted civilising, educational, and above all Christian influences an entire failure. It \»ould be altogether sad to think so and we have more hope for the future of our race. Nevertheless, as we have said, a thoroughly healthy and reverent discussion and treatment of the subject opened up, which may lead to some practical remedies less drastic perhaps than Dr Chippie's must ultimately be of benefit to humanity.

Mark Sprot & Co will sell on the racecourse to-day two good performers on the trotting track, viz., Dolly Vardeu II and Comrade. Both will be sold subject to a trial.

Our Koiterangi friends are determined not to be outdone by their Kokatahi rivals on Thursday next. They have also arranged a good afternoon's isport, End in addition have engaged the Goldtboroogh Band to play during the afternoon. A dance will be held in the Longford Hdll in the evening.

The Christchurch CoDcert Party appear at Ro«s on Thursday evening when our southern friends may be assured of a genuine musical treat. With four of the Christchurch Cathedral Choir soloists and several other very talented performers, the combination is probably the finest concert party which has ever visited Ros a . We expect to hear that standing room will not be available in the Ross Hill on the occasion of the visit of fie concert party.

Our Kumai a correspondent writes: — It is with regret I have to record the the death of Mr Harry Gibbons of Tui Street, which took place yesterday. Peceased, who was only a young man, was, for a number of years, in ths employ of Messrs J and M Davidson for whom he worked as a blacksmith. Poor Harry, who was a universal favourite has been a great sufferer for years past; The complaint being an affection of the heart, and his death waa not wholly unexpected. The sympathy of the public goes forth to his sorrowing wife and child, who are left to mourn his loss. Another death took place at Dillman's yesterday in the person of Mr William Hobbs of tb.it town. Deceased had been a gr?at sufferer for years past from ihat fell disease consumption, which terminated fatally as above, death coming as a happy realiso. Mr Hobbß, who was only a young man was generally respected for his quiet, unasuming minner. Deceased waa the son of Mr Richard Hobbs of this tDwn for whom much sympathy is expressive.

The Eight Hon the Premier, Mrs Seddon and party were present at the meeting of Uie Westland Racing Club yesterday, and during the afternoon revived many old friendships. They were entertained by the Stewards of the Racing Club at afternoon tea, and the Premiei's health was proposed by the President, Mr A. Stevenson. The Right Hon Mr Seddon, in rep'y, congratulated the Club on the great success of the meeting. It wat alway3 pleasurable to himself, Mrs Seddon and family to lenew old and cordial friendships on the Coast, though he regretted that this year many old faces were missing. He was pleased to find the Cldb upholding a h'gh standard of racing, and assured them that while they maintained that standard they would be successful. Hia sympathies were alto aether with sport of every kind as long as it was properly conducted, and the Westland Racing Club would have his best wishes so long a« its affairs were carried out as they were by the present administration. The Premier's remarks were received with enthusiastic marks of appreciation.

Wr W Evans who intimated that he would resign his position as chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board unless the mitters in dispute between himself and the engineer were referred to a tribunal outsidettbe board, took his seat at the meeting last week and intimated that as he found he had the confidence of th ratepayers he would continue to act a s chairman, but would take no more responsibility than any other member of the board.

The Minister of Lands (the Hon T V Duncan) was among the golc seekers who sought their fortunes in the wilds ot Central Otago, during the early sixties (says the Alexandra Herald.) During his visit to Alexandra Lhe hon gentleman stated that he was there in 1862, and he gave some interesting reminiscences of his experiences at the time of the Dunstan ru j h. Many a mile have I travelled over these hills, and many a gaily have I explored, he sud, in search of a fortune which I did not find. He also referred feelingly to the many weary weeks he at one time spent at the Twelvo mile, waitfor the »iv 9to go down 'just a little lower.'

The Jessie Niccol, which was cut down in the Wellington harbour by the Botomahana, has had a rather interesting career. She was built in Auckland 32 years ago by the firm of Niccol and Co., and was originally intended for a yacht. She was at one time owned by the late air George Grey, who used her for that purpose. After passing out of hi 3 hands she was put into commission as an inland produce carrier, and eventually became the property of Mr W. Cook, of Lyttelton (the present owner), who also owns the well kootfn schooners Aratapu, Lily and Annie Hill. The Jessie Niccol was an exceedingly fast sailer in good condition. It is stated that her owner recently refused an offer of sometime like £1000 for her.

D M'Brearty, Surgeon Dentist, Masonic Rooms, Hamilton Street. Hours:— 9 am to 1 p.m., 2 pm. to F p.m., 7 p,m, to 8 p.m. — Auvt.

TIGER TEAS are known throughout New Zsaland for their unmistakable flavour and quality. — For sale b.y J Chesaey & Co. Summer drinks — Hay ward Bros' "'Lime Juice Cordial " and " Lemon Squash e are equal to any in the world. Demand flayward'a,— Abyi.