The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1891. A Home for Drunkards.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 19 March 1891, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1891. A Home for Drunkards.

« Ouk legislation could be improved as regards the habitual drunkard, even though it appears to be well in advance of other parts of the world. It needs simplifying and arrangements making by which it would be possible to give effect to the law. Under the prohibition clause of the Licensing Act we have a quick and simple plan of dealing with what may be termed a first offence. By an application made to two Justices the person complained of can be prohibited from being served by holders of spirit licenses. This has been found in practice very useful, as the man fell, being tempted, and on that temptation being removed, he soon recovered his senses and his health. Power is given to make annual applications if it is so thought necessary. There are other cases which need firmer handling, as were a man refuses to accept the act of his relations or friends as a kindness, and chooses to purchase, outside of the district, liquor to drink Jo his down*

fall. He appears then to come under the title of an habitual drunkard, and is able to be dealt with under " The Lunatics Act 1882," which provides, on an application being made by the wife (or husband), child or friend, to a Judge of the Supremo Court, and on his being satisfied as to the evidence produced, may ordei' such drunkard to be detained in any asylum or place authorised for any period not exceeding twelve months. He may also direct the payment by the drunkard, of such sum for his maintenance as he may think fit. The cost of dealing with the habitual drunkard needs lessening, as where a case occurs away from the principal towns, the expense, to the poorer classes, who unfortunately suffer most from these maniacs, would be more than they could meet, bearing in mind that theii " estate " has been lessened by the act of the wage-earner they may have to complain of. It would appear reasonable to permit of such applications being made before a Resident Magistrate, who holds far greater powers over men's liberties than is asked for under this Act. But if we get this we require some place of detention, and though a short time ago Space was spared in our asylums, ft cannot now be found, and thus all oases have to go to the gaols. Friends do not look upon the building that retains in safe keeping the afflicted in mind, with half so much objection as the gaols that keep the rogues, and until either room can be found in the asylums, or homes for inebriates are established, the law, though wise and useful, will remain practically a dead letter. Many persons are fond of asserting that prevention is better than cure with reference to these cases. The dread curse of fondness for drink is frequently inherited, and without an effort made to cure, all attempts at prevention will fall to the ground, as this inherited weakness will go on being repeated in the families of the sufferers. A true earnest attempt, by seclusion, medical treatment, and kindness, bids to be the more economical course to adopt with these cases than the sentencing of these unfortunates to prison for numbers of times for short terms, whilst in the intervals of freedom they are able to return to their old vice. A home for inebriates and the transference j of the powers of the Judges to the Resident Magistrates appear the two most urgent amendments to secure the satisfactory working of acts to reduce drunkenness,