Home for the Feeble-Minded: … … Mrs. Pinsent in a recent address instanced a case of fourteen individuals in one family who had to be supported at the public expense in Industrial Schools, Reformatories, Workhouses, Asylums or Charitable Homes. They pass continually from one of these institutions to another with short intervals of liberty during which they fall an easy prey to the vicious. Should this state of things be allowed to continue? Emphatically – No. What is the remedy? Segregation, strict segregation, as provided by an institution such as ours. Just think what might be the condition of things 50 years hence if this were strictly enforced. Emigration is sapping the lifeblood of our country. Our best and healthiest stock is drifting to Canada and elsewhere; the dregs are all left behind – for these the colonies are wise enough to refuse to take. Fortunately, the country is waking up to the importance of legislation on this subject. But in the meantime, for 47 years the Knowle Institution has been doing what it could. Shall it plead in vain for increased support from Warwick?”
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0245 Devonport: Ellen Frances Parker: 1866 – 1949