MENTAL HOSPITAL REFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 136, 10 June 1924, Page 9

MENTAL HOSPITAL REFORM.

■ —. LOCAL CONTROL ADVOCATED. The annual meeting of the Mental Hospital Reform.- Association was held in the V.M.C.A. last evening, Mr. J. Armsted presiding. The secretary's report stated that the object of the association was to work primarily for the amendment and im- | provement of the laws relating to mental patients. -As regards "border-line" cases, the association was greatly disippointed with the results so far. It is hoped to secure these cases apart from mental hospitals. The association had taken steps to establish an observation ward in connection with the public hospital (as in other countries). This plan, however, was i thwarted by present regulations regard- ■ ing the insane. A large number of deficiencies were mentioned, which, in the opinion of the association, amply justified any demand that might be made for the termination .of the existing bureaucratic government of New Zealand mental hospitals. Local control of mental hospitals in preference to centralised control was especially advocated. The association expressed its appreciation of the courtesies shown by Drs. Bcattie and Hay in particular cases, and high tribute was paid to the -work Of Mr. J. Alexander, who, as official visitor to the hospital, had been a connecting link between the 'association and the administrative department. The treasurer's statement showed a credit balance of -30. The election of officers resulted- as follows:— President, Mr. James Armsted; vice-president, the Rev. James Lowden; treasurer, Mr. George Haydon; assistantsecretary, Mr. McTavish; press correspondent" the Rev. A. S.- Wilson. Mr. A. J. Mudgway was elected secretary, but 1 deferred acceptance of the position.