THE CARE OF THE FEEBLE-MINDED.
[To THE EDITOR or Tax "SrEcrAron."] Sine—There can be little doubt that the cause of this un- fortunate class of the community will be much helped by your influential support. You have so well epitomised the Report of the Royal Commission that the problem will be well under- stood by your readers. But I write now to point out that a great deal has already been and is being done in the matter by voluntary organisations. Quite recently the National Association for the Feeble-Minded has bought land for the purpose of establishing a colony where feeble-minded children can receive the special education which they need, and feeble- minded adults can be usefully employed and cared for. Already two homes for fifty young men have been opened and are in working order, and as soon as sufficient money is forthcoming two homes for fifty girls will be built. As money comes in the Association can increase the number of these homes, and also provide a school with children's homes attached. There will not be the least difficulty in filling these homes, and in making the whole colony self-supporting, if only the necessary capital can be raised to pay off the debt on the purchase of the land and to build the additional homes, because education authorities, Boards of Guardians, and private individuals are only too glad to pay for the boarding out of these feeble-minded persons who come under their care. The whole question presents a good example of how State help and voluntary efforts can usefully co-operate, and to the greatest possible advantage of the ratepayer, because institutions managed by private effort can always be run far more cheaply than those under State management, while equally efficiently.
Indeed it is quite certain that whatever legislation passes, the colony system will be the one adopted; and therefore existing colonies will be made the fullest use of. Thus those who are impressed with the importance of the question can now do a great deal towards solving the problem of the feeble-minded by helping the Association with funds to
establish the homes which are so much required. The Association has already raised £5,000 for its colony, but at least £8,000 more is wanted to build the necessary homes and to pay off the debt on the purchase of the land. I may add that the colony consists of a hundred and seventy-one acres, is admirably situated near Tonbridge in Kent, and is called the Princess Christian's Colony, for H.R.H. the Princess Christian, the patroness of the Association, takes the greatest interest in its success.—I am, Sir, Ire.,
W. CHANCE, Chairman.
National .dssociation for the Feeble-Minded, Denison House, Vaurball Bridge Road, S.W.
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