Care of Feeble-Minded: Industrial Training and Colony Life: At the Birmingham Temperance Hall today, Sir Oliver Lodge presided over the first discussion in connection with the conference of charity organizations, relief societies. The subject for discussion was “The Care of the Feeble-Minded,” the paper being read by Mrs. Hume Pinsent. The address was illustrated by many lantern slides, and probed deeply the problem to which she has devoted to much of her energy. She looked forward to the time when legislation would be compulsory instead of permissive. But she urged education authorities not to wait until that time. Another appeal was for the establishment of industrial colonies, demonstrating that a large proportion of cases that were treated at the special schools needed permanent protection, though not entire support. “If they wanted to do something in their generation,” she said, in conclusion, “to stop crime, to put down drunkenness, they should use all their energies to secure, firstly, industrial training, and secondly colony care for the feeble minded. They would be showing more wisdom, more common-sense, more economy, infinitely more humanity and practical Christianity if they began by providing necessary care for those unfortunate people instead of waiting until it was necessary to find accommodation in prisons, penitentiaries, and hospitals.” Sir Oliver Lodge heartily complimented Mrs. Pinsent upon her paper. He could not but think, he said, that the necessary expenditure should properly go upon the poor rate and no further authority. It should be borne by all citizens alike.
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