PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS

Southland Times, Issue 23888, 5 August 1939, Page 5

PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS

To The Editor

Sir,—-It is a matter for congratulation that the Minister of Justice took steps to obtain a report on the mentality of a prisoner sentenced recently in Christchurch, before the carrying out of the sentence of flogging imposed by the Supreme Court. The man had. been convicted on a charge of indecent' assault upon a child. We do not condone his offence in any way, but would draw attention to the fact that the report from the medical superintendent of the Mental Hospital at Christchurch indicated that there was a condition of mental impairment which rendered it undesirable that the flogging should be carried out in case it should result in a complete breakdown of the man’s mental and moral fibre. The sentence of flogging was cancelled. Had it been carried out a grave injustice would have been done to the prisoner. Again we would point out the urgent need for proper psychiatric examination as a routine matter in all cases of serious crime, before sentence is passed. While we await the establishment of psychiatric clinics, could not their place be filled temporarily by a mental hygiene clinic at a general hospital, to which cases from the Courts could be sent and to which could also go cases of neurosis of persons who would be averse to being taken to a mental hospital for examination? If we are to be told that it is impossible on the score of expense, we would ask if there is any good reason why such a clinic should not call for voluntary helpers, such helpers to be, of course, fully trained and qualified.—Yours, etc., N.Z. HOWARD LEAGUE FOR PENAL REFORM. August 1, 1939.