MAN’S COMMITTAL TO HOSPITAL

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27796, 22 October 1955, Page 12

MAN’S COMMITTAL TO HOSPITAL

STRATFORD RESIDENTS SEEK INQUIRY

(New Zealand Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, October 21.

A public inquiry into the circumstances of the committal of a man “to a mental institution and the conditions of his confinement therein” was demanded by a public meeting of about 108 persons at Stratford last night. The Minister of Justice (Mr J. R. Marshall) will be asked to arrange for the public inquiry.

A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Taranaki members of Parliament.

In a note of apology for his absence, the Minister of Lands (Mr E. B. E. Corbett), in whose electorate the man’s home is, said that he would see the man concerned.

The man was arrested at his home at Warea on May 6 and charged at New Plymouth on the same day with having set off 10 plugs of gelignite and fuses in a public place, the grounds of Parliament Buildings, on April 26, and with committing mischief by damaging a cake stand valued at £36, the property of John Angus Godbers. He war allowed bail and was remanded until May 16. Thereafter, he was again remanded several times before the case was adjourned sine die by Mr W. C Harley. S.M., on June 27.