FAMOUS OCTOGENARIAN.

Evening Star, Issue 23381, 26 September 1939, Page 6

FAMOUS OCTOGENARIAN.

“ The most memorable achievement of our generation will be beyond doubt the psychological achievement of Sigmund Freud.” This is the essence of an address which was presented to Professor Freud by some 200 leading Writers of the world who wished to pay tribute to the famous psycho-analyst on the occasion of his eightieth birthday. Professor Freud, whose death occurred in London during the weekend at the age of 83, was one of those brilliant Jewish scientists exiled from his native land because of his race. The designation “ scientist ” was peculiarly applicable to Professor Freud, for it is said that his heart was not really in medical work, and that he preferred to concentrate on purely scientific research. The attention ho paid to medical studies, however, in conjunction with his specialist work in neurology, led to his founding of the once startling theory of psycho-analysis. Throughout his life Freud adhered more or less to the forthrightness of one of his earlier conclusions, which, in the opinion of some people, including colleagues in psychoanalysis, placed too groat an emphasis on the influence of the sex instinct in human life. Jung and Adler, for instance, formulated modified theories which made a stronger appeal not only to many laymen but also to mox-e persistent seekers of what lies in the hidden places of the mind. Adler was convinced that Freud attached too much importance to sex and that he under-estimated the inferiority complex and the drive for power in the individual. The average reader will no doubt agree that for some time past Freud’s theories on the subject have played a more conspicuous part in fictional literature than perhaps is desirable. Psycho-analysis, as distinct from everyday psychology, should always be kept in its place as an avenue for scientific exjfioration and a means of relieving human suffering.

It cannot be denied that in the treatment of mental affliction psychoanalysis has clear-cut uses. For a variety of reasons the Great War brought widespread recognition of its value. In thousands of cases of shellshock and neurosis it meant relief, and the general application of its principles in the world at large has left its influence in the development of the social sciences. The science that Freud gave mankind has already helped to establish a more humane method of treating criminals by showing that many offences—compulsive thefts or arson, especially by adolescents, and several kinds of sexual delinquency—may be committed by those no more responsible for their actions than a lunatic is responsible, and that the appropriate treatment is not punishment but re-education. Nor can it be overlooked how much the cause of a more enlightened upbringing for young children has owed to the gradual acceptance of Freud’s revolutionary ideas. The results of his work have extended the field of research, and the stimulus he gave to creative thought made oven his opponents his debtors. It has becu said of the first psychoanalyst; “ Future ages may reconstruct or limit this or that conclusion, but bis questions will never be silenced nor his achievements permanently obscured.” At the same time, it is clear that the products of his methods must be accepted with caution as well as with some enthusiasm. Mental tests and mental measurement, the analysis and assessment of intelligence, the study of conscious process in the laboratory, and the application of psychological methods to commerce, to industry. and to education were branches which were well established before psycho-analysis was heard of. The point is that all these have been helped by psycho-analytic teaching, the founder of which. I’rol'nssor Sigmund Freud, has opened up the way to a new and ‘deeper understanding cf mankind.

In the Police Court yesterday afternoon Lyle Earl Thomson (Mr 0. G. Stevens) was proceeded against on a complaint for an affiliation order. Lengthy evidence was heard, and the magistrate (Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M.) reserved Ufa decision.

Mr F. W. Horner, president of the Baptist Union, has requested all Baptist churches to observe next Sunday as a day of intercession, following the lead given hy Archbishop Averill.— Press Association.

“ We arc meeting to-night with the shadow of war over us,” said the president (Mr Crosby Morris) at the meeting of the Carisbrook Cricket Club last night, “ but wc can loolf forward to Britain and her allies emerging successfully from the struggle for freedom.” Mr Morris added ho was sure that members of the club would do all they could to help, both in the direction of active service and in keeping the home fires burning, to help bring about this result. The fact' that the Empire was at war did not mean, however, that efforts to keep healthy snorts going should be diminished, for the fact that young men, by continuing to play such ■games as cricket, kept themselves fit was in itself something which went to strengthen the position of the Dominion and the Empire in these times of stress.

Shortly after 12.30 this afternoon the City Fire Brigade was called by a malicious false alarm to Eglinton road, A similar call was responsible for a machine proceeding at 7.30 last evening to the corner of Crosbie street and Glen Avenue. “ This must be the first time in the history of the world that a man has had to pay for fighting for his country,” said Mr C. S. Thomas, when referring to the difficulties experienced in forming the New Zealand Scottish Regiment, at a banquet held hy the pipe bands of Christchurch last evening (says the ‘Press’). Mr Thomas said that it was gratifying to know that, through the .help of Scottish supporters, the regiment had obtained sufficient money for its establishment, and the scheme to provide members with Scottish uniforms was now well advanced. A statement that several road transport vehicles wore being equipped to run on suction gas produced from coal was made by several road transport operators at a sitting of No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority at Auckland. They said there were no obnoxious fumes from the gas and they were satisfied that good results would be achieved. The authority (Mr E. J. Phelan) congratulated the operators ou their enterprise, adding that it would assist to build up an industry that would uso a lot of New Zealand waste coal.

Two hlackfish, a species of small whale, came ashore recently at Ringa Ringa Beach, where they dashed themselves to death ou tho rocks in their mad frenzy to escape. At the same time tho remainder of tho school, which seemed to number well over a, hundred, cruised agitatedly just off shore. A rifle shot scared them away, as Stewart Island did not want a repetition of last year’s visitation, when about 80 stranded themselves and created a nuisance, says the ‘ Southland News ’ correspondent. This species of whale frequently stampedes at this time of the year, which is their breeding season.

The primary school dental clinic scheme m New Zealand receives high praise from Dr Eugene Schmitt, of New York, who is at present in Invercargill in tlio course of a tour of New Zealand, during which ho is lecturing to members of the dental profession under the auspices of the Amalgamated Dental Company of London. “ The care given to the teeth of primary school children was much better than the children in other countries received,” said Dr Schmitt. He was sorry to see, however, that much of the good work carried out by the clinics went for nothing because of the time elapsing between leaving primary school and commencing -work, which would enable a young person to pay for dental attention.

“It is a precious heritage and one which wo must teach our young people to appreciate,” said Major J. B. Mawson, M.C., when speaking of the tradition of Scotland at a banquet held by the pipe bands of Christchurch last evening (says the ‘Press’). Major Mawson said that one of the most valuable features about the formation of the New Zealand Scottish Regiment was the way it was bringing the Scottish community together in a common effort. Scots generally were learning to appreciate more the traditions they held, and the establishment of the new regiment had caused a revival of interest in Scottish history. Within the past few days the waters of the old Priest Spring, Rotorua, have returned to their normal temperature and arc now in use once more (reports the ‘New Zealand Herald’). This spring was much used for curative purposes 0 until the temperature commenced to drop from the accustomed 103 deg to between 50 and 60 degrees. As the waters owe their action entirely to heat and the acid they contain, it became necessary to _ find another source, and a second spring was located of the same mineral content, but of a higher temperature, it being necessary to cool the water before use. No explanation has been given of the sudden drop in temperature or the return of the original spring to normality. A pumphouse is being erected over the new spring in case of a recurrence of the trouble.

The warning bell for the departure of the througn express from Dunedin to-day went unheeded by one member of the fair sex who was saying her farewells aboard the train. As she went to alight she discovered that the train was in motion, and her efforts to reach the platform wore wisely frustrated by a railway official who closed the carriage door. Thus one person bad a railway journey that was not expected, the first 'stop being made at Soacliff.

Employed by tho Works Committee of the City Council men have been effecting notable improvements to the Wakairi road l in the vicinity of the Wakari Hospital. For a short distance this road has been widened considerably, providing ample room for motors in which to turn, and an extensive “ standing bay ” has also been constructed in which buses and private cars may stand without in any way encroaching on the main travelling width of tho road. This work has also made possible a further work of widening below Bunting’s store, spoil from tho hospital being deposited on the narrow portion of the road near the Catholic Church, thereby providing a base for the increased width. Tho Government has issued a further series of letter and envelope stickers carrying appropriate messages to the public to prevent grass, scrub, and bush fires in tho expected dry months of summer, according to a statement issued by tho Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Barry, to-day. The Minister said that last summer’s fires, the balk of which were traced to carelessness, bad caused the destruction of some of tin: finest bush areas in the Dominion, and he appealed for general co-operation this summer in preventing a similar recurrence.—Press Association,

“ The Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association is unanimously in favour of wet canteens,” said the Dominion president (Hon. W. Perry, M.L.0.) when the telegram which stated that the Auckland branch was urging the establishment of wet canteens was referred to him. Other branches of the association also are taking an interest in the welfare of men on service. Any subjects that require an approach to the Government are being referred to Dominion headquarters for the parent body to act.

Concreting of the street bridge along the Woodhaugh Valley is now completed, although motorists are able to make use of only half its width at present, while the remaining half is in the process of “ curing.” This is part of the City Council’s Works Committee’s undertakings on this roadway which is destined to become the main north road. Further along the same roadway the oldl wooden bridge, known as Harbour’s bridge, has been redecked and strengthened with steel joists, thus giving it many more years of life. This bridge had become in a very bad condition, having been neglected for many years.

“ Tartans are becoming more popular and those who can claim even a remote Scottish ancestry feel that tfioy have something to he proud of in a kilt,” said Mr G. M. Telfer (president of the New Zealand Highland Pipe Bands’ Association), when speaking at a gathering of Christchurch bands last evening (says the ‘Press’). He added that there was a growing tendency for tartans to be worn for general use, and this was having a stimulating effect on the activities of the Scottish community. It is particularly noticeable that the average cyclist, male or female, is either contemptuous of the traffic regulations or is unaware of the fact that such machines are subject to the same rules and restrictions as those governing the use of motor ears and other vehicles. This refers especially to the observance of the rights of pedestrians at recognised crossings, hut breaches are also constantly being committed in the matter of passing moving or stationary vehicles on the wrong side and failure to .remain stationary at the roar of a tram car which has stopped to pick up or discharge passengers. The traffic department has decided, however, to take action against cyclists offending against the regulations, and issues a warning that these riders should make themselves thoroughly acquainted with their obligations in this direction. The annual police examinations for the Dunedin district are being held at present in the Law Courts. They began this morning, and will be continued to-morrow and on Thursday. Superintendent P. J. O’Hara is acting as supervisor.

A patrolling sergeant of police was recently faced with an unusual problem. It was 4 o’clock in the morning and in Princes street south; further, it was just outside an hotel. The problem took tho form of a moving object on the footpath, and as the movements were spasmodic and in the nature of hops or short flights, tho idea of a prowling dog or cat was not tenable However, the sergeant’s torch was brought into action, and this revealed the extraordinary fact that the moving object was nothing less than a pukeko How it came to be taking a nocturnal ramble in a city street is not known, for, before the sergeant could make an “ arrest,” the bird had flown off and disappeared. So, after all, the problem of what charge to lay against the pukeko did not really comp into being; it vanished with tSe bird.