ASSISTANCE FOR ALCOHOLICS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28930, 25 June 1959, Page 20

ASSISTANCE FOR ALCOHOLICS

122 Persons Helped During Year

Assistance had been sought for the first time by or on behalf of 122 alcoholics during the last year, said Mr W. N. Rothwell, secretary of the Canterbury branch of the National Society of Alcoholism, at the annual meeting of the branch. Of the 49 alcoholics who applied for assistance, 44 w’ere males, Mr Rothwell said. Seventy wives or relatives, and three employers, applied for assistance for alcoholics.

The branch has continued o use its influence by telling the public the facts about alcoholism Twenty different organisations have been addressed by representatives of our branch and o’.ner publicity avenues have been usea,” he said.

Discussing the work of Aico holies Anonymous, Mr Rothwell said: “This group comprises wives, husbands, and others adversely affected by alcoholism and is steady in its growth and is pei forming a very useful and informative purpose for the relief of many desperate and bewildered persons.” One of the important decisions of the committee during the year had been for incorporation with the national council. This was now under way and was nearing completion, he said. The following officers were elected:—

Chairman, The Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. Martin Sullivan); executive, Drs. F. O. Bennett, C. Dick, Sheila Hurrell, E. R. Reilly, Brigadier F. W. Hay. Messrs L. W. Warren, J. C. Perritt, J. D. Mcßride, W. Crossan and D. Barrett.