NO REST FOR THE DRUNKARD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1295, 22 July 1886, Page 2

NO REST FOR THE DRUNKARD.

Christchle h, July 21.

There is trouble just nnv with regard to the disposal of inebriates requiring curative treatment. It has hitherto been the practice to commit them to Adding* ton Gaol, but the authorities there objected strongly, and on last Monday, Mr Beetham, R. M. acting, it is stated, bn instructions from the Government, committed a man suffering from delirium tremens to the C mstchurch Hospital. Ha was admitted, but tha House Surgeon made a vigorous protest to the Committee, who forthwith passed a resolution instructing the House Surgeon not to admit any similar cases in the future. The man was placed in a ward with other patients (the surgeon said) owing to there being no other accommodation for him, and it ta said be kept the whole ward in a constant state of terror and sleeplessness daring Monday night. He was then put in the padded cell, and kept the whole institution awake by his shrieks last night. To day he was allowed to walk in tha grounds, and he seized the opportunity to make good his escape from the premises, and has not yet been recaptured by the police. The Magistrate is justified in bis action by section 21 of the Police Offences Act, which empowers him to commit drunharcs requiring medieel attendance to an bosplU), but it appeals there is no provision for the reception of such cases at the Christchurch Hospital.