BRITISH LEGISLATION FOR HABITUAL INEBRIATES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 188, 7 September 1878, Page 4

BRITISH LEGISLATION FOR HABITUAL INEBRIATES

In the British Parliament recently considerable attention has been given to a Bill aiming at the cure- of habitual drunkenness. It was passed to a second reading in tbe House of Commons without a division, after it had been amended by the mover withdrawing certain clauses which empowered magistrates, on the complaint of a relative, to commit a person to confinement in a "retreat" as an habitual drunkard. The Bill as passed to a second reading empowers local authorities to licence "retreats," in which persons who are the victims to habitual intoxication may be kept in confinement and treated, these places to be subject to inspection under the control of the Home Secretary. To these retreats the persons for whom they are intended commit themselves in effect by applying for admission in a form provided, their signatures being attested by a magistrate, who before attesting to the signature, must satisfy himself that the applicant understands what is to be the effect of his act. The applicant determines for himself the length of time during which he is to be confined, the maximum limit being one year. Once admitted, he is obliged to remain for the elected period, though at the end of three months an inspector may authorise him to live out of the retreat with any one who may take charge of him for his health, and he may also at any time apply in writing to a magistrate for a discharge, which the latter may grant if he thinks it advisable. The government of the retreats will be left to the managers there-

of, who, as already stated, will require licences, and be ready at all times to open their premises to authorised inspection. What the result of such a Bill is to be, should it pass inte law, remains to be seen. It certainly allows the smallest possible opportunity for abuse, and the results under it, providing that the habitual drunkards, as a class, take advantage of the retreats proposed, ought to be good. The question is whether any considerable proportion of tbe unfortunates can be brought to see that they are miserable sinners, aud then how^ large a subdivision of that proportion will desire to put themselves under restraint. The experiment is a curious one, and on the whole is deserving of good wishes for its success.