BORDER-LINE CASES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17030, 2 May 1923, Page 11

BORDER-LINE CASES.

NEED OF HALF-WAY HOUSE (Per. Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 1. A suggestion that better provision should be made for the reception and treatment of border-line, or* incipient cases of mental disorder was made to the Hon C. J. Parr by a deputation comprising Anglican, Presbyterian. Methodist, and Baptist ministers, supported by citizens and Salvationists. I lie Rev Jasper (.‘alder expressed the private view that if the Minister thought this was not a Government matter, a syndicate oi public-spirited men might take up the proposal, if it was recognised and subsidised by the State. Another speaker said the deputation had entire confidence in the administration ol the mental hospitals, but ic was felt that the policy of the Government, laid down some years ago, v. as that there should be homes separate from the mental institutions for tlie reception and treatment of incipient insanity and voluntary hoarders, a lie system was working admirably in the South Island. There should be adequate safeguards before committal to a mental hospital. The Minister, replying, said he was personally in hearty accord with the «?.r? es tion that there should be some form of reception home, apart from mental hospitals, where border-line cases could be dealt with. Of 218 patients received in the reception mines, onl\ eleven ultimately became 11 sane Quoting a report by Dr Hay, the Minister mentioned that the reeoverv rate of ordinary patients nas highly satisfactory—43 per tent calculated on the admissions, he ’mentioned incidentally. But he did not favour the idea of private homes. as the privileges given to such institutions had been abused in too many instances *l ie p? st - H <= promised to visit the v.olfc. Home in Auckland shortly in connection with the matter.