FEEBLE-MINDED PEOPLE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1929, Page 3

FEEBLE-MINDED PEOPLE

LECTURE BY PROFESSOR

REN HA.AI

AUCKLAND, January 27

Tbe problem of the inheritance of mental qualities was thought to have been settled more than half a century ago by the work of Sir Francis Galton, who concluded that mental qualities are inherited in the same maimer and in the same degree as arc physical characteristics, but in recent years the whole subject of heredity lias been attacked from a new standpoint, and results of these investigations were .summarised in a public lecture given by l’roi’essor W. R. Benliam, of Otago University. The lecture was under the auspices of the Science Congress. In his opinion it was not proved to the satisfaction of biologists tbai mental qualities are inherited “ in the' same manner and in the same degree as are man’s physical characteristics.” Tlie physical cbaractcristis of man, as of the lower animals were the result of the inter-action of hereditary and on vimnniental stimuli, and so it was with mental qualities. 11' it were possible to convince statesmen that environ menb was more likely to he the cause o'' l'ecble-miridednoss and mental deficiency, then a way was pointed out whereby the expenditure of money in removing this cause might relieve than by waiting for genera Lions to improve the standard. Tlie last Government, under Air Coates, should receive great credit for having placed upon the Statute Book two measures which, if carried ouL as intended, would go a long way toward improving these conditions. The Town Planning Act should raise the standard of health and conditions of life, and therefore of mental development of tlie people generally. The Act relating to iheiita defectives would, if tactfully and sympathetically applied, do much to help border-line ease at an ago when it was quite possible that suitable and wise methods of education, J removal from tainted surroundings, i and so on, would make for tlie Jiappi- j ness and prolonged usefulness of many j who would otherwise become unsocial, j and lie a burden on the State.

ELECTRIC* LIGHT FAILS. . SYDNEY, Jan. 20

Tho whole city mid suburbs, served by electricity was plunged into darkless about 11.30 last night, as a result of a breakdown at the powerhouse. The telephone service is partially dislocated. .After a delay of half an hour, tho city and some suburbs were again supplied. In the outvsuhurhs. however, no I'gilt was available till the early

morning. A searching inquiry to trace the origin of the trouble is being made by experts. Alcchnnies say the occurrence is the result of a “general electrical disturbance.”

“ Do as I have done—persevere.” —Stephenson. Rut there is no need to persevere with a. cold if you do what thousands of New Zealanders have done for over 60 years—take Baxter’s Lung Preserver. Gives relief from the very first dose. Baxter’s is a dependable .remedy for all kinds of coughs and colds, bronchitis. asthinn, and influenza. Also acts as a tome. All chemists and stores. Generoussized bottle. 2s 6d; large, economical size, 4s 6d : bachelor size, Is 6d.