The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1927. THE MENTAL INSTITUTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1927. THE MENTAL INSTITUTION.

The annual report regarding the Hokitika Mental Hospital published this week, made interesting reading. Pleasure and gratification would be felt at the record of improvements carried out of late years, and to the very satisfactory results attending the reforms brought about. Some of the reforms, notably the breaking down of all yard enclosures, were of a very radical nature, some folk had misgivings about it. The net result, however, has been very satisfactory and it is satisfactory to have the dictum of the Superintendent on the point that the radical changes made have boon all for the betterment of the unfortunate patients. The modernising of the institution is being carried out very completely. The change in the general aspect over the last few years has been very considerable. The whole aspect of the grounds and the surroundings has been altered. The disappearance of the walled in enclosures which looked so formidable and even repulsive, have given place to open green spaces, with freshly painted modern buildings dotted about. It has been in fact a transformation scene which is arresting to those who can recall former conditions on Sea View Hill. But

sweeping ns have been the changes, the Superintendent points out the scheme of new buildings is not yet completed, and he points out what there should he The justice for the demands seems to be warranted by the effect of the wholesale changes made, and that having been so successful is a justification for the complete proposal to materialise. We take it that the building scheme having been inaugurated, the authorities will he bounden to complete the full requirements. There is now a considerable colony of people “on the bill,” and it is manifest that their social ns well as bodily welfare should have attention. In this connection the desire for a recreation hall might be mentioned. The community might give that some practical support by offering, for instance, to supply a wireless sot for the institution. Were the matter taken tip in the right spirit the funds for such a purpose would not lie difficult to raiise, and the sympathetic interest disclosed would he some encouragement to those whose duty it is to care for the afflicted. In this connection it is pleasing to note that some of the ladies connected with the late Competitions are taking up the matter of entertainments at the local hospitals. That is a praiseworthy social work, which it is to 'be hoped will be sustained The townsfolk help in a small , way with the annual picnic, but that . is not a very strenuous effort, and the j desire to assist in other directions it i is to he hoped, will become more gen- ] eral. Much can be done for the ] amenities of those in enforced confine- 1 ment, and the effort will be all for 1 their betterment and the lightening c of their unfortunate burden. Tt is r pleasing to find the Superintendent c able to chronicle so much good work t done It is evidence of the untiring t activities which have been going on, i pointing to the sustained good man- t agement and to the enthusiasm with i which the work is carried out. The f local institution appears very fortun- n ate in its management and in the head * and directing force. Very practical work is being done, and done thor- 1 ouglily in a connected way. The in- v stitution is one of those necessities, 11 and it is well and desirable to see it ' 'veil staffed and efficiently equipped, v Those requirements are there, and the a moral support of the public in aiding the good done by excellent management will he helpful in assisting to-

wanls the general welfare of the institution. The public might well take a closer and more intimate interest in the progress of the local Mental Hospital.