MANKIND.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18895, 10 January 1927, Page 9

MANKIND.

PHASE OF TRANSITION.

VIEWS OF 11. G. WELLS

(BY CABLE— PRESS ASSOCIATION - COPYBIOHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AND K.Z. C.vflTE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received January 9th, 11.5 p.m.)

LON'DON, January 9,

The enterprise of the "Sunday Express" has secured a series of articles by Mr H. Gr. Wells. The first emphasises that mankind is in au intense phaso of transition and contests the argument that human nature never alters. It fastens on insurance statistics, showing that the expectation of life has increased since the opening of the century, by twelve years. This is only the latest step in changes progressing during a much longer period. Examining vital statistics for a century past, Mr Wells argues that man has been almost as sexual as a cat with its ever recurring kittens. Man has been a family animal, and is now beginning to breed much later, and conserve his offspring, and thus render available an unprecedented amount of individual time and energy.

In the near future man will not work till he is an adult, will marry much later, aud have a small, successful family. He will then live a score of years maybe, before he exhibits any of the characteristic decadence of ago. Oculist, dentist, and surgeon will perform necessary roadside repairs. Mr Wells affirms that an adult's vigour' Can be restored and can be kept up until at least the end of life. Prolongation will not be allowed to remain the privilege of a small class. There will be only active, hopeful children, and though many people will bo full of years none will be aged. It will be a community of grown-up people to an extent quite beyond bur present communitv.