ROTO-ROA REFORMED.

NZ Truth, Issue 406, 5 April 1913, Page 6

ROTO-ROA REFORMED.

Another Effusion.

j The Home a Rank Failure. Another lengthy., effusion has reached "Truth" from "An Inmate" of the^Drunkards' Sanatorium at Roto-roa Island, and lfr -deals with a variety of troubles and hardships under which the inmates are, compelled to labor. A few quotations:— Rule 10 states that any inmate that fails to comply with, the. other foregoing rules is liable to ■ / ', V : . A-£5 ICINE OR A MONTH. .- Every • inmate recognises that it is bene^ ficial' for him to do some work, but if he refuses to do any that is- uncongenial or for\, v which he is -unfittea -. he is quickly threatened with a trip to the Auckland magistrate for breaking the rules. ■• About three weeks ago, an inmate was charged with "insubcjrdinafron" and' received 14 days' imprisonment. He requested' the "Home" manager to communicate with his solicitor and people but that well-fed individual absolutely refused; • and, further, m the court when) the manager was' confronted with the charge he gave the accusation an emphatic denial. ■.. „ After pointing o'ui ■ the injustice of •' investing any religious sect or denomina- - tion with the powers given, the authorities at this particular institution, the informant proceeds to- say that there are dozens of men on the island, fit and well, both physically and mentally, to be discharged to make a fresh start. All fully realise that it . r WAS THEIR OWN FAULTS . . j ;that sent them there, and, having once tasted the joys and benefits derived from a few months' sojourn amidst such pleasant, harmonious surroundings, ,they are, willing to lay .any odds they will never again return. Booth's bellowing boodle boosters receive 10s a week for each m- i mate's board, and the drum . and tambo bangers get as much out of the inmates per labor as they can. When an. inmate leaves, the "Square Deal" Government gives him twenty roberts, and the redcoated' ranters 'contribute a' present m the, shape of a stick of : navy twister and £ box of wooden' matches per week! Oh! Munificent philanthropy! The quality of the food supplied for consumption ia' ' NOT FIT FOR A PIG . to eat, and the Minister is being petitioned m connection with the matter. , The building is a furnace m. summer and a refrigerator m winter. Are^ skilled laborers, . such as plumbers, blacksmiths, carpenters, etc., permitted by their unions to work . at their." trade? Can meat be consumed that has not been properly inspected? ■ ' .yv ' In .'; conclusion, "Inmate" states it is . time the Government recognised 'that the "Home" is a rank failure under present administration, and steps should be taken., to insure its , welfare ..or close it altogether. '