LIONEL TERRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3783, 28 January 1908, Page 4

LIONEL TERRY.

“ Unquestionably Insane.” Desires to be Sent Back to Prison,. Dr. Truby King, medical superintendent of Seacliff Asylum, communicates the following statement to the Otago Daily Times : “Terry was engaged in painting at an easel on the stage of the recreation hall at the time of his last escape. The two attendants in charge were men ot experience, the senior having been trained at Moruingside Asylum, Edinburgh, under Dr. Clotrston, prior to entering the service at Seaclilfe some three years ago. The escape was dua entirely to carelessness on the part of the men in charge, who, in spite of daily warnings, allowed the patient out of their sight, under the impression that there was no means ot escape. The patient secured a piece of rope used for scenery-lifting, lifted the sash of a window, let himself down most of the way and jumped the rest. Only last Sunday I commenced a letter to the central authority pointing out, that owing to his increasing determination to escape, Terry would have to be transferred to some institution affording greater structural facilities for safeguarding him. It appears to me desirable to prevent further public misconception regarding the patient in question. He is neither a hero nor a criminal, but unfortunately he is and, has been throughout unquestionably insane and irresponsible. “ After Terry’s recent,escape, I wrote pointing out that' certain alarmist statements then in circulation suggesting danger for lone women and children were withopt foundation, but I did hot'wish to convey the idea that he was sane , or responsible. It was obvious that Terry was insane, but the way to make him actively dangerous was to let him see announcements in the newspapers that his fellow-beings regarded him and expected him to prove himself a bloodthirsty criminal. He is not a criminal and not bloodthirsty, but nothing would be allowed to stand in the way of his effecting what he believed to be necessary for the salvation of his race. “ The treatment accorded to Terry by the settlers in Central Otago was not merely kindly and humane, but was the only safe and sensible way to deal with a man of his temperament and tendencies. However, Terry himself on being replaced at Seacliffe last month v.as indignant that the authorities had not sent him to gaol, because he resented kept being in an institution wh-ch implied insanity and irresponsibility. He said he did not want comfort, but justice. He continues to, insist that he would be happier in prison, and become daily more and more resentful and bitter at being kept here. Under these circumstances I am satisfied that the best thing tor himself and for everyone concerned is to let him have his own way. Meantime, whether he remains here or is sent elsewhere, he will not be allowed an opportunity of escaping again.