THE DEFECTIVES COMMISSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1924, Page 4

THE DEFECTIVES COMMISSION.

FITTING AT M'KiiLiNG’i'O.V

WKLI.I.NCON, July !5. • lie Aleiitii! Delectivi-s ( it, Ii li - sio u ii silt tin;.; liyro. clunci I>i*;sv, oi tl»i» Salvatiiiii with || years’ experience of the Arni'.'s social "ork’in Aiistralin, said that the Army Imd had considerable experieiice "itli all forms of dcgetiera<y. ! it persons of all ages the cause of feeble-minded ness "ere Mimetitn- x ililiicult to .explain. There was first the question of heredity, and then the question ol environment. Housing conditions eertaiidy affected tin- hitler, knowledge acquired front polluted

sources spoilt many young lives. The Allay advocated that some nali.ria! scheme slum Id be adopted, for me i arly detection and treatment of the feeble-minded. anti als„ bachward eiiildren, on the lines suggested by Br J. ( Mtigi.cy, Dttccior of Kditetition. fitaittieiii should be given under >h.best i-onditions and a great deal of' good might he done by teaching sex) hygiene, through nature study carried

on progressively. Such teaching should he- givt-in by a medical i-tan

auli known high morals and spiritual standards, leaehers should In* trained to impart smli lessons jtidicionsly aml such teachings should take place not only in State schools, hut also in private and hoarding schools. The teaching should not he obvious. The' Army was of the opinion that tlierej was an increase of immorality tm.iigj young people which knowledge of preventive measures obscured The Army advocated the seg-' rogation of sexual perverts. j

( annii Field Taylor. Anglican, said tluii there sconc'd to l.e u tendency to exaggerate moral degeneration. The

number of degenerates was comparatively few. and might he traced to other causes than -ex. lie believed that two <>t the causes were absence of control at home, and the hick of inculcation of a sense of honour. He held that public lectures on sex subjects were unwise and private instructions dangerous. Parents must lie field to their responsibility. The State could only do patchwork. Professor ft. IS. Kirk spoke of the posibility of improving the race by environment. It was clear that the great majority of the eases of feeblemindedness was inherited. The unfit | should he rendered infertile.

After hearing the opinion of Mr F. S. Shell, Juvenile Probation Olficer and Mr J. Down. Superintendent of the Waikato Prison, the Commission adjourned nntill to-morrow.