INCIPIENT INSANITY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18851, 2 May 1923, Page 7

INCIPIENT INSANITY.

HOMES FOR BORDERLINE CASES.

DEPUTATION TO HON. C. J. PARR.

(Per United Pbess Association.) AUCKLAND, May 1 A suggestion that better provision should be made for the reception and treatment of borderline or incipient cases of mental disorder was made to the Ken. C. J. Parr by a deputation comprising Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist ministers, supported by citizens and Salvationists. The Rev. Jasper Calder expressed tha private view that if the Minister througnt this was not a Government matter a syndicate of public-spirited men might take up the proposal if it were recognised and subsidised by the State. Another speaker said the deputation had every confidence in the administration of mental hospitals, but it was felt that the policy of the Government, laid down some years ago, was that there should be homes separate from mental institutions for the reception and treatment of incipient insanity and voluntary boarders. The system was working admirably in the South Island, and there should lie adequate safeguards before committal.

The Minister, in replying, said he personally was in hearty accord with the suggestion, but there should be some form of reception home apart from mental hospitals, whore borderline cases could be dealt with. Of 218 patients received in reception, homes only 11 ultimately became insane. Quoting from a report by Dr Hay, thp Minister mentioned that the recovery rata of ordinary patients was highly satisfactory, being 45 per cent., calculated on admissions.'' He mentioned incidentally, but he did not favour the idea, of private houses, os tha privileges given to such institutions had been abused in too many instances in the past He promised to visit the Wolfe Home in Auckland shortly, in connection with thj* matter.