SODDEN SAMARITANISM.

NZ Truth, Issue 66, 22 September 1906, Page 6

SODDEN SAMARITANISM.

A" wrinkled harridan of elderly aspect named Ellen Parkinson, who has' over a hundred convictions against her for wayward, unseemly conduct, actually promised to take the pledge .at Christchurch. One would naturally think it was about tinie. She figured as a plain drunk on the charge sheet, and admitted it with refreshing candor. But she pleaded that she had been locked up for a whole twelve months m the Samaritan Home (she called it tu"e Sainimartinan's Home) and. that she had : been only one day out when she, was collared some more. The Magistrate said she evidently had been celebrating her release. The woman wanted another chance, and moaned that she had only had four day's liberty' m four years. That was, of course her own little fault, and on being - asked if she would return to the' Home she demurred m a plaintive voice, and asked for a little liberty. She would cut drink and cut Christchuroh. Her appeal was successful m the end, she being convicted and discharged. As has been stated m these columns before, what is the use -of these Homes from a reforming point of, view ? They are utterly valueless, and are merely respectable gaols where these miserable creatures have to toil- for nothing. They are conducted on wrong principles'. It is admittedly hard to convert such people as the character mentioned above/ but at least some better efforts m that direction could be made than obtains at present. It isn't, easy to escape from; that Samaritan Home, once you are inured there: Three Wellington girls did so once, but they ( , were darned good -climbers. ■ : ■'--':■ '■'•' \