IS THE RIGHT CULPRIT PUNISHED ?

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 102, 9 May 1901, Page 2

IS THE RIGHT CULPRIT PUNISHED ?

To the Editor of the Times. Sir, —Having seen the well-known Geddis arrested on Tuesday, also on some provious occasions, it is with mingled feelings of sympathy and indignation that I pen these few linos of sympathy for the poor unfortunate culpi-it who, as most of the townspeople are full aware, is not responsible for his actions when in liquor, and indignation at those who, for the small -amount of cash that lie spends with them for drinks, supply him with more than is good for him, knowing full well what the consequences are likoly to be, and in my humble opinion those who supply the man should be put in the box for punishment. There is not an hotelkeeper in the town or bar attendant either who is not aware of Geddis’ peculiarities when under influence, and should he at any time take away life while in a state qf paryoxysra the/ would be morally responsible. There is another matter that should be taken up, namely—an institution for the incarceration of inebriates of tips class of people who cannot control their abnormal appetite for alcohol, where they could bo made to earn a living ; say, give them a wage and make them earn it. If at the expiry of twelve months there was a chance of reformation, let them out on probation for a term of six months while they w-ere to bo abstainers. In the case of a married man without a family they could, if necessary, find accommodation for his wife and deduct the cist from tto amount of the man’s earnings ; and it seems to me that such an institution could be made self-supportiug with good management. Hoping some abler pen than mine will take this matter up.—l am, etc., Wil. FIIASSK,