MEDICAL CONGRESS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1241, 25 September 1911, Page 5

MEDICAL CONGRESS.

j THE FEEBLE-MINDED. SPARTAN IDEAS ADVOCATED. By Telegraph—Prcs3 Association-Copyright Sydney, September 23. Tho Medical Congress held an important discussion on the subject of tho feebleminded. Dr. Fishbourno advocated the creation of separate colonies, and dwelt on tho necessity of legislative interference, in order to check the increase of leeblemindedness, which was the most hereditary of all diseases, to prevent existing conditions, and provide lor tho helpless and half-witted imputation. Dr. Stevens, ot America, favoured the Spartan idea of putting to death the feeble-minded early in life. Wo had no use for anybody whoso moral aspect was doubtful. The question resolved itself into the survival of the fittest. Tho mental balance of the nation must bo maintained. Tho question of emasculation should also bo seriously considered; it would materially reduce the number of inmates of prisons and asylums. Dr. Weihen, in a paper, emphasised the necessity of thorough medical inspection of immigrants. Cases of advanced consumption among immigrants wore becoming ominously frequent. The sectional sittings of the Congress have concluded.

NEXT SESSION TO BE HELD IN AUCKLAND. (Rec. September 25, 0.15 a.m.) Sydney, September 24The Medical Congress has closed. Tho resolutions recommended by the different sections weTO adopted. On the motion of Dr. Valintine (New Zealand) it was decided that the next session of tho Congress be held at Auckland in 1914. Dr. Valintino extended a warm welcome to the delegates. Dr. Purchas, (Auckland) was elected president until next session.