INERBIATES' ISLANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 168, 15 July 1908, Page 5

INERBIATES' ISLANDS.

SALVATION ARMY EXTENSION. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTOIT, Tuesday. Major McKenzie, editor of the "War Cry," states that the Salvation Army's inebriate home at Pakatoa (Bell's Island), has proved too small for the adequate accommodation of the patients. There are at present between 30 and 40 persons undergoing treatment, and the Salvation Army authorities have now arranged to acquire Ruthe's Island, the negotiations Tiaving just been completed. Pakatoa Island is only leased, but Ruthe's Island, which 13 but half a mile distant from Fakatoa, is being bought outright. There are over 300 acres of land on the newest purchase, and this wili give opportunity for work which was nuc pussiDle on Fakatoa, which comprises only 60 acres. It will now be possible to classify the patients with a completeness that hitherto could not be attained. When seen by a "Star" representative to-day, a local officer of the Salvation Army stated that it is not quite correct that the purchase of Ruthe's Island has been effected. "It is correct, however," he said, "that negotiations have been in hand for some time past, and only to-day Colonels Knight and Hoskin ' left for Ruthe's Island and Pakatoa (Bell's Island) in connection with -this matter. It is hoped that this visit will result in a completion of the negotiations." The officer stated that the larger area of Ruthe's Island (which comprises some 300 acres) will offer greater ecope for the occupation of the men. On Bell's ; Island, he remarked, they are at prjpent practically "eating their heads off," and the authorities have hard work sometimes to find anything for them to do. On the larger area, plenty of space for agricultural and other pursuits will be available, and this should go some way towards their maintenance, as at present the Army cannot make ends meet in this direction.