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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7562, 29 May 1885, Page 4

That ingenious writer Mr Mallocti has boldly asked the world the question, “Is life worth living?” Taken by and large as the sailors say, nine men out of ten, who cannot base their reply on more than the broad general everyday experience of human existence in this wicked world, would probably promptly answer “ Tes.” Mr Donaldson, chief gaoler at Addington, whoso walk‘‘in life has carried him slightly off the beaten track, would, we imagine, have just as decidedly answered “No ” to the same question, if put to him within the last week or two. But then Mr Donaldson’s experiences have been except tional. In addition to being responsible for the safe keeping of some 'scores of the worst specimens of what, in their case, it would be pure sarcasm to call either the weaker or the gentler sex, Mr Donaldson has lately been called upon to take charge of a number of unfortunates suffering from delirium tremens. Gentlemen afflicted with this dreadful Retribution for their vinous excesses, are given to describing with a graphic power, and unearthly violence of voice and gesture that are as horrifying as they are impressive, the apparitions that haunt them day and night. With five such raving maniacs on their hands, and Addington rapidly becoming first cousin to Bedlam, Mr Donaldson and his small staff must have had all their work to get through* the duties of the day. And yet Government were about to reduce their numbers. No wonder that the *ioler came to Mr Beetham üble on Tuesday last. ‘ And r that the Resident Magisrcised his power as Visiting 6 formally recommend that additional help should be obtained. Economy is an excellent thing, but efficiency is more excellent still. If the two can be combined a most desirable result is attained. But efficiency must not be sacrificed to economy. At present there is no other provision for dipsomaniacs than to send them to gaol. Their presence there cannot be allowed to spoil the discipline and good government of the prison because the warders are shorthanded. No such excuse can be permitted. The only way out of the difficulty is for the Government to provide a sufficient staff. And the sooner the better for the. state of Addington Gaol. • '