THE VAGRANT CLASS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5283, 13 June 1895, Page 2

THE VAGRANT CLASS.

As the outcome of the conference held recently to deviße the beßt means of dealing with the large number of diseased vagrant men and women with which the city and suburbs are at present infested, a deputation this 'morning met Colonel Hume, Inspector of Prisons,: and with him proceeded to the Addington Gaol. There were present his Honor Judge Ward, the Rev W. Birch, Messrs G. J. Smith and W. W. Collins, M.H.E.'*, and Messrs J. Bell, D. H. Brown, G. K. Hart, J. T. M. Hornsby and G. Moon. Colonel Hume, with Chief Gaoler Cleary, ehowed the deputation over the premises, which were considered to be admirably suited for an infirmary dealing with the class of cases referred to. Although the gaol has been unoccupied for some years, the buildingß were found to be in an excellent state of preservation. . After the inspection a meeting was held, at which Colonel Hume said he would be prepared to recommend the Government to grant the institution for the purposes named. His Honor Judge Ward read a clause which he had dratted, giving effect to the resolution passed at the previous j meeting, which would give power to "have any person convicted under the Act, who was found to be suffering from venereal disease, committed to the infirmary and there j detained until cured. It was decided to j request his Honor to forward the same to ! the Minister of Justice, and ask him to ! use his best endeavours to pass it into law : thid session. The members of Parliament [ preeent expressed themselves as favour- ) able to the passing of the clause, and it ', was decided to await the Minister's reply before taking further action. Votes of ; thanks to Colonel Hume and his Honor j Judge Ward concluded the proceedings. i