REFORMATORY HOMES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 12

REFORMATORY HOMES.

WELLINGTON, August 12. An interesting petition was handed to the Speaker of the House to-day by Mr A. S. Malcolm. This was from 47 inmates of the Roto Roa Inebriates’ Home (Auckland) setting forth grounds for certain improvements desired and repeals sought in the Act under which they are committed to that institution.

The first request preferred is captivating in its modesty. It is “ that the Reformatory Institutions Act of 1999 be repealed altogether.” In the event of this not being possible, certain amendments are desired. These are set forth in 12 lengthy clauses, and may be summarised as follows:—That men physically capable of hard work be not committed ; that people with conscientious objections be not committed to institutions controlled by any religious body; that clauses y and 10 of the original Act, giving the magistrate power to commit on the application of a relative, be/repealed and committal to the home he confined to voluntary applicants or to summary conviction by a magistrate for certain offences, with certain additional precautions; that the period of detention he limited to six months for both men and women; that a qualified doctor reside where there are 29 inmates or over, and a fortnightly visit take place at smaller homes; that men entering an institution be medically examined, and those certified fit for work bo given suitable employment for not more than five hours per day, for which they shall receive 2s 6d per week and tobacco.

It is also stipulated that the men are to be “as well clothed as prisoners are in the common gaols and be supplied with wholesome and suitable food in sufficient quantity.” It is also asked that “the correspondence of the inmates be not read, but the whole treatment he directed to the restoration of the men's self-respect, health,” etc. ; that private hospitals may agree to care for individuals for not more than six months, this agreement to act as a committal when deposited with a magistrate; that persistent bad behavior may ne punished by the Minister transferring the men to gaol with or without hard labour ; that pending action being taken upon this petition two justices of the peace he sent to Roto Roa and Pakatoa to recommend the release of inmates who have been there for six months and over; that three inmates be allowed to come to Wellington to give evidence before the Petitions Committee

The petition ends with this gentle reminder—“ It is to be remembered that inmates are. not criminals, and still enjoy political privileges.’