TREATMENT OF INEBRIATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13647, 15 January 1908, Page 8

TREATMENT OF INEBRIATES

'•< HABITUALS" AND VAGRANTS

DIFFICULTY AT CHRISTCHURCH.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchurch, Tuesday.

Matters connected with the suitableness f c-|4'he Samaritan Home as ,an institution to which habitual drunkards should be committed were discussed at to-day's meeting of the trustee* of the home, Mr. F. J. Board, the retiring chairman, in the course of some remarks on the working of the institution, said: ."In regard to the work connected with the habitual drunkards some little .difficulty has been experienced in keeping some in custody, and two males and one female inmate have twice escaped. In-each case the term of detention has been increased by the magistrate, which doubtleas will have a good effect. While admitting that the home is a suitable place, of. detention for the class of inebriates that Ave had originally to de«l with under the Vagrancy Act, I think, it must be recognised that the home is to some extent unsuitable for cases outside of that character, principally on the ground that the building is not suited for proper classification. The force of this will be readily understood when it is mentioned Mint we have at preseut in our custody inmates whose only offence against society is that periodically they are addicted to drink, but who under ordinary conditions are hardworking, respectable members of the community, and a term of two years in the present surroundings cannot be considered as satisfactory. In my opinion it is desirable that some better provision should be made by the Government for dealing with the better class of such cases, leaving the home to deal with that class that would under original conditions be sent to it under the Vagrancy Act. The able-bodied male inmates are employed in the garden, but there is not sufficient work there to give full employment, and the question of providing more work in the home for those who are able to dc it should be considered."

Further reference to the subject was made at a later stage in the proceedings. Mr. B. P. Manhire said he did not object to the increased salary to the attendant, 4 but he did object to keeping the habitual drunkards. The people of Addington were beginning to murmur about these absconders, and the sooner they were got lid of from the institution the better it would be for all concerned. The Government should be asked to relieve the home of such men. He believed that.there was a petition being got up to that effect;

Mr. Board said that they should look at the question in a fair way and in the interests of the inmates and the Department. It must be recognised that the place was altogether unsuitable, for some of the people committed. He quite agreed with Mr. Manhire that they should appeal to the Government to provide more suitable accommodation for habitual drunkards. As for the vagrant class, there could be no more suitable place than the home, but it was not'right to send respectable men to herd with that class.