A DIFFICULT QUESTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 14, 11 October 1919, Page 9

A DIFFICULT QUESTION

PROPOSALS- FOR TREATMENT OP . SOLDIER INEBRIATES. The question of the treatment of soldier alcoholics is ono which is considered to be of sufficient importance to have called for the consideration of tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers'' Association. That body after investigation regards tihe matter as ono demanding immediate and energetic action. The urgoncy of tho problem is emphasised by reports which go to show that recoverable cases are in danger of developing into chronic unless remedial measures are taken, and, further, that injury is beinj dono to tho reputation of returned soldiers generally by chronic cases who figure prominently in public. Following on. fee deliberations of tho executive sub-committee of the New Zenland Returned. Soldiers' Association, a committee—of returned soldiers and civilians—has been formed in Wellington to collect information, anil further recommendations for the treatment of soldier alcoholics.' It is realised that tho numbor of these cases is not large, and that a largo percentage of them are of pre-war origin or were pre-w,ar cased. Investigations already made are said to 'have emphasised the need for energetia action, and the findings and recomimmdations of this committee will be submitted to the Government with the view to the introduction of legislation to deal with the matter.

The recommendations contained in the following soheme are framed with tho solo object of removing to a more useful sphere men who are doing a serious injury to themselves, the returned soldiers, and the whole country, and to develop in such cases the sense of dignity, responsibility, and self-control which would be necessary before tihey can return to oivil life. It is 'understood that something on the lines of the following scheme will be recommended to the Government:— That the Government be asked to set aside a dotention farm for soldier inebriates, under a qualified instructor—the 6oldier inebriates to be divided into two classes:— (a) Thoso who are thought to be redeemable; (b) The hopeless drunkard. That all class (a) inebriates be com-mitted-to such a farm for a period that will effect n euro; also with the idea of teaching them farming. That tho farm bo run under a cooperative system, tho first chargo from which should bo the maintenance ot the dependants of those committed. All proceeds, if any, at tho end of the year to be equally credited to tiho patients, subject to their good bohavrour. The Government to undertake tliat at the end of the cure all qualified men will be placed, upon suitable farms under the Lands for Settlement Act. thoso not qualified to reeoivo further instruction and then be placed upon farms undet tiho same conditions. It is nocessfyry that theso men be under restraint during tho poriod of cure. This can l>e dons by:— M H"-atle-Ung the men as soldiers; 0)) Committal by a mngistrat.i. The latter course is suggested as the bettor, as it is considered undesirable to havo militarism of any form in such an institution. Tho social sido of the patient's life should bo well provided for. Tho success of such a scheme is considered largely dependent on tho men in charge and tho suitability of the site selected for Hie farm. The first farm to bo established in the Wellington district, and if /omul successful immediate steps to be taken to establish similar institutions in tho other centres. As regards tho men classed lb) it is suggested that .they be dealt with by tho police and committed to r. suitable institution under civil law.