R.S.A. AND MENTAL PATIENTS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1920, Page 4

R.S.A. AND MENTAL PATIENTS

A .SEACLIFF DOCTOR’S COMMENTS DUNEDIN, October 13. ■ The recent remarks by a member of the Executive Committee of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association in regard to the alleged wrongful committal of (returned soldiers to Seacliff Mental Hospital were the subject of discussion at a meeting of the executive The subject was introduced by a letter from Dr Gray, of Seacliff, who wrote:—“At the last meeting of yeui Executive Committee, a member made tne statement that he had tried to ascertain the attitude of the mental hospital authorities towards the returned soldiers, but had (failed. An official deputation from the Association made a vist to Seacliff and were courteously received and given every facility to converse with the returned soldier patients. They expressed themselves as perfectly satisfied with what they saw, so much so, that by direction of the executive, the secretary wrote a letter of thanks and appreciation.” After passing some severe remarks on the members of the executive, the writer went on to say that the R.S.A. had outlived its usefulness, and was now “being conducted by a coterie of irresponsible nonentities.” “I return herewith,” he concluded, “the badge of what was once an honourable and useful organisation.” The whole question is still under consideration. A motion was carried asking Dr Gray for an apology-.