MENTAL DEFECTIVES ACT

Evening Star, Issue 20062, 31 December 1928, Page 4

MENTAL DEFECTIVES ACT

WISE APPLICATION PROMISED [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, December 29. The coming into operation of the Mental Defectives Amendment Act on January 1 was referred to by Mr A. J. Stullworthy (Minister of Hospitals) this morning on his arrival from Wellington. , “Having regard to the very serious interests involved, due to the reconciliation of the eqpally sacred rights of personal liberty on the one hand with those of social stability and progress on the other, it will be the policy of the Hospital Department of the Gothe Hospital Department of, the Government to develop such plans/ and machinery as will progressively give effect to the provisions of the Act in the wisest possible way,” said Mr Stallworthy. “The special board to be set up under the Act of this year will meet as early as possible in January. With the exception of two members the constitution of the board of seven is established by the Apt itself. The inauguration of the real functioning of the Mental Hospitals Department will be coincident with the first meeting of the board. The problem to be faced is a Complex and difficult one, calling for sagacity, patience, aiid sacrifice. However, in the ultimate, the exercise of these virtues will make for progress in both human and economic spheres. “It is encouraging and gives con* fidence for -the future to reflect that in past achievements we have ample demonstration of the moral fibre and capacity of New Zcaln'nders in worthwhile undertakings,” added the Minister. “Success in the field of social /readjustment must depend in the end, not on mere legislative enactments or on theory, but on applied common sense, founded on experience, enlightened by vision and fortified by faith and hope.”