Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1943. SEACLIFFE PATIENTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1943. SEACLIFFE PATIENTS.

pERHAPS no other class of invalids should receive more consideration than the patients in mental hospitals. Tn most countries public opinion on this subject has advanced considerably since the “good old days” when brutality and illtreatment were the 10l of the poor alfilieted. New Zealand prides itself, not without cause, on national standards concerning the care of Ihe mentally weak, but every now and again, this complacency, almost smugness, receives a rude shock. Rightly, mental hospitals do not receive the publicity regularly forthcoming about general institutions. It is taken for granted that the best efforts are being maintained lor the welfare of the inmates, — until something happens, or is revealed that demonstrates there is’scope for reform.

Seacliffe Mental Hospital recently came under special notice when a tragic fire occurred on the premises. The subsequent inquiry proved that the structural system, and not. individuals, was at fault. This verdict was little questioned, but many asked why the risk had not been realised before the tragedy, and guarded against. It is probable that the Department and other anthor'ities have since paid more attention to the safety of patients in all hospitals, public and private. Seacliffe is now under fire again. A Presbyterian chaplain (Rev. J. C. Chisholm) formerly on duty at that hospital, declares that the supply of food to the patients and staff is inadequate and unattractive. Meagre portion of inch-thick slices of bread, with scraping of butter, is said to be the usual tea provided for patients, some of whom had completed a day’s work in the fields. There is. apparently, a plentiful supply of eggs available, but these are sent elsewhere, the patients and staff not being permitted to have the menu enlarged in this connection. Throughout the Dominion towns, office staffs and others are allowed extra rationing for afternoon teas, but this concession has been withdrawn from Seacliffe patients and officials.

These allegations of adminisl rative meanness come from a responsible person, and must therefore'be accepted as wellfounded. The Minister’s reply will be awaited with interest. Mr. Chisholm does not blame Mr. Nordmeyer, who he thinks is helpless to effect reform. Autocracy at Wellington is declared to be the culprit. Censures concerning rhe food supplies at Seacliffe will—or should —cause anxiety by the general public as to whether other causes for regret may be found in the routine of this and kindred institutions. If there is anything wrong, want of thought rather than want of heart, must be responsible. Regulations and diet-scales may not yet have thrown off all the red tape that formerly closely bound them. An inquiry into this and kindred matters would not be amiss. Excellent work has been done in late years concerning the treatment of the mentally ill, and it would be a pity if the proud record were continuously marred by obsolete rules regarding food and other necessities.