INEBRIATES' HOMES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8261, 25 October 1912, Page 4

INEBRIATES' HOMES

ME KETTLE’S VISIT. In reply to a question by Mr P. tV. Lang (Manukau), the Minister of Justice (lion. A. L. Herdman) read in the House of Representatives on \V ednesday extracts from a report oy Mr Keltic. 0.M.. on tuc Rotorua aud Pakatoa Inebriates' Homos. ibe report slated that the buildings were in tirstrdafis order and coudiuon, aud well furnished. "The food is abundant and excellent; in short, every eUort is being made by tho Salvation Army and its oificiala to make the inmates comlortaulc. The inmates expressed to mo their gratitude for the kindly and considerate manner in which they are treated by tho Army officials who have the control aud management of tho homes. . . • T ‘The benefit which inmates reooivo ia,.l pin convinced, very considerable, and in the majority of tho cases, 1 believe, lasting. DETERRENT INFLUENCE. "Again, the knowledge that they are liable to be sent to and detained m ouch institutions for a considerable term has. I am convinced, a decidediy deterrent and exceedingly wholesome influence over those who are inclined to drink to excess, and who would probablv become habitual inebriates In my opinion, the homes have fully justified their existence. "Tho matters brought under my notice W "ll) The inmates contend that there should be a fixed period of detention m every case, i. 0., that tho term of detention should, if possible, be the same in each case. , . *‘<2) The inmates suggest that every inmate should be entitled to apply to a magistrate to be released on probation after six months. , Evidence of the superintendent and health officer should bo considered. Every application for release should be dealt with on its merits. “(3) The inmates strongly object to persona convicted of indictable offenoee being sent to the homes." , __ One matter referred to by Hr Kettle was whether inmates should have votes in the electoral district in which the home was situated. The holding of political meetings and canvassing for votes at the homes, it was stated, did not tend to promote discipline. THE REPORT DISCUSSED.

Mr A. B. Glover (Auckland Central) Bald ho had visited both the homes, and so far os the conduct of women at Pakatoa Island was concerned, they had never had hotter homes in their lives. Toe institution was well kept and looked after. It was comfortable, and cleanliness Itself The Botoroa. Home was also satisfactory. Ho urged that greater latitude bo allowed to inmates to go out and look after theii private business affairs. Mr J. Viper Brown (Napier) also thought that an' extension of the liberty of inmates was desirable. Mr P. W Lang (Mannkan) thought the maximum time for detention should he six months, instead of two years. Th fp would give greater hope of reform. He joined in congratulation of tho Salvation Army authorities for the manner in which tTTe fcstitutions wore kept. Mr 0. W. Bussell (Avon) thought there should bo periodical visits to the island of an officer, such as a magistrate, to make personal Inquiry into cases where there •was a question about patients being allowed their liberty. At present this was decided at Wellington.