THE MEN AT ROTO ROA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1827, 13 August 1913, Page 8

THE MEN AT ROTO ROA.

4 A LIST OF GRIEVANCES. An interesting petition was presented lo tlio House of Representatives yesterday by .Mr. A. S. -Malcolm for Mr. Speaker. This was from 4/ inmates of Roto Roa Inebriates' Home setting forth grounds for certain improvements desired and repeals sought in the Act under which they are committed to that institution. The first request preferred is "that tho Reformatory institutions Act of 1909 bo repealed altogether." In tho event of tins not being possible certain amendments are desired. These are set forth i,i twelve lengthy clauses and may bo summarised as follow:— That men physically capable of hard work be not committed. That people with conscientious objections be not committed to institutions controlled by any religious body.' That 9 and 10 of tlio original Act giving tnc magistrate power to commit 011 the application of a relative ba repealed and committal to the homo be confined, to voluntary applicants or to summary conviction by a magistrate for certain offences, with certain additional precautions. That tho period of detention be limited to six months. That a qualified doctor reside where there are 70 inmates or over, and a fortnightly visit take place at smaller homes. That men entering an institution be medically examined and flioso certified fit for work be given suitable employment for not more than five hours per day for which they shall receive "2s. lid. per week and tobacco." Also "the men to bo as well clothed as prisoners are in tho common gaols and bo supplied with wholesome and suitable food in sufficient quantity." That the correspondence of tlio inmates be not read "but the wholo treatment be directed to the restoration of the men's self-respect, iealtli, etc." That private hospitals may asree to care for individuals for not more than six months, this agreement to act as a committal when deposited with a. magistrate. That persistent bad behaviour may mo punished by the Minister transferring the man to gaol with hard labour. That pending action being taken upon this petition two .Justices of tho Peace bo sent to Roto Roa and Pakatoa to recommend the release of inmates who have booii tliero for six months and over. That three inmates be allowed to come to Wellington to give evidence before the Petitions Committee. The petition ends: "It is to be remembered that inmates are not criminals and still enjoy political privileges."