MORAL DEFECTIVES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1500, 24 July 1912, Page 4

MORAL DEFECTIVES.

A DIFFICULT MATTER TO HANDLE.

That the resolution passed by tho Wallace and Fiord Hospital and Charitable Aid Board—"That representations be rnado to tho Minister for Internal Affairs urging on tho Government tho necessity of providing an institution for the compulsory detention of morally defective girls iind women, and that other Charitable Aid Boards bo written to asking for their co-operation in the matter, and with a request that similar resolutions be passed and forwarded to lsie Minister in Wellington"—be endorsed by the board. ' Tho above was a recoininondation from tho Hospital Committed, to tho Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board <f.t yesterday's meeting. Members of tho board agreed that it was a difficult and delicate matter to deal with satisfactorily. Mr. J. W. M'Ewan expressed a doubt as to whether the resolution went far enough. Why should not tho law apply to morally defective/Jnen and boys, as well as women, and p//is? He could not see why they shoulrrbe exempt, from such a coercive law, which, if good for one, should be made binding on all. Mr. B. R. Gardiner said he did notal* together approve of the manner in Which' the board approached the question. It was one which should be. handled with the gloves off," aud ho proceeded to do so bv instancing tho case of the immunity from punishment of the morally defective male who "roamed the country. With other recommendations, tho resolution was passed.