MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD POHANGINA GAZETTE. Circulation, 3,000 Copies Daily. THURSDAY, MAY 26th, 1904. ANOTHER SCANDAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7847, 26 May 1904, Page 4

MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD POHANGINA GAZETTE. Circulation, 3,000 Copies Daily. THURSDAY, MAY 26th, 1904. ANOTHER SCANDAL.

During his recent trip through Ofcago Mr Q. Laurenson, M.H.8., visited the Inebriates' Home at WaifcatJ, and although a faithful follower of Mr Seddon, he has not hesitated to express the opinion that the institution Ib the "most disgraceful place he has overseen under Government oontrol." Some particulars regarding the Home, published on page 3, will be an eye-opener to our readere. Acoording to Mr Laurenson, no attempt is made to treat the patients for their infirmity; the place ii simply a kind of " bush gaol" for inebriates. It is asserted that of the patients who have been treated at the institution not one cure has been effeoted, and that"when discharged they are, in fact, really worse than when they entered the HomeOther deficiencies In the establishment are referred to by Mr Lamrenson, who has Bheetod home to the Government one of the clearest cases of mismanagement of a State institution that has yet been recorded in this colonj. Yet in spite of these facts Parliament will be asked next session to renew tho vote for the maintenance of the Home, and of course it will be granted after excnses have been made for paßt omissions and promises are givon for future reform. It is interesting to note that the muchlauded Hyphenated Jones was in charge of the Waitati Home until his departure for England, but thii" sapient" Minister will, we opine, have some rude questions Fut to him on his return to the colony. The best thing the Government oan do is to close up this institution. To continue it is a thorough waste of money, and as the State has so many " white elephants," a redaction in the number would be a welcome relief. Just now when money is tight and the Government are without fands to carry out public works and give local bodies the financial assistance they desire, anything in the direction of mismanagement and extravagance by the Ministry is apt to get on the nerves of the public and cause much discontent.