ROTO ROA ISLAND

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 10, 4 August 1930, Page 4

ROTO ROA ISLAND

DOES IT CURE INEBRIATES? ONLY IP THEY HAVE THE WILL. In the minds of those most closely connected with the question, there seems to be little conviction that a term at either of the Inebriate Homes at Roto Roa and Pakatoa effects a complete cure (says the Christchurch Star). Opinions differ, but the general impression is that there is only a small percentage of complete cures. There are three methods by which individuals may be committed to the islands. The least common is committal by a magistrate as part of a sentence. This involves a certain amount of publicity, and more common methods are by personal application to a magistrate by the man or woman concerned, or else by application to a magistrate by the relatives of the man or woman concerned. In each case a medical certificate is necessary. The term of the length of time on the island varies. "It depends entirely on the individual whether he benefits or not," said Mr. E. D. Mosley, S.M. "I have known many cases where a permanent cure has been effected, but unfortunately the percentage of complete cures is not large. Every individual benefits to a certain extent, however, because while on the island they are unable to get drink, and are thus able to build up their constitution." Mr. Mosley said that although the system could not be called a complete success, he would not like to see it done away with. The few cases where there was a cure made it worth while to retain the islands. Adjutant Coombes, of the Salvation Army, whose work brings her very closely into touch with women addicted to drink, gave it as her opinion that if there was any hope at all of a woman going straight, a term at Pakatoa gave her a splendid chance. "It does them good," said the Adjutant. "They get work of a healthy kind, and while they are on the island they are happy. We have had great joy with many of the women we have had there. While they are away from the drink they are happy. By the time they have been there a few months they are new creatures. It is heartbreaking to see them go back to temptation." Commandant E. Bolton, officer in charge of the Salvation Army Rescue Home at Addington, said that unless people underwent a change of heart, a stay on one of the islands would not do a great deal of good. People with any intelligence would seize the chance afforded by their stay on the island, and would do their best to reform, but the bulk of the inmates were weak, and of low mentality, which gave those in charge nothing to work on. "There have been cases of complete cure;i," said the commandant, "but it needs will-power and a change of heart to effect a complete cure." The opinion that at least two years was necessary for a cure was expressed by a man closely associated with this class of work. He also said that in his opinion some sort of medical treatment '- ' ■ '"'■ '-■■-■■'•'■• ——