HABITUAL DRUNKARDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 167, 14 July 1880, Page 4

HABITUAL DRUNKARDS.

la America various legislative enaotme.nta have been passed, with a view of faoilitntiug the control and care of habitual drunkards. The leading features of these Acts have been brought iuto force in Victoria and South Australia, with eorae measure of success. An Act, called the Habitual Druukarde Act, was pasaati in the Inst

session of the British Parliament, whioh is to rein uiu in force for ten years after its enectment, and an nbstract of its provisions may not be without interest at the present time, when temperance reform occupies a large share of public attention. In a preliminary part of the Act it is laid down tbat Rn " habitual drunkard " means " a person who, not beiDg amenable to any jurisdiction in lunacy, is, notwithstanding, by reason of habitual intemperate drinking of intoxicating liquor, at times dangerous to himself or herself, or toothers, or incapable of roanaping; himself or bersalf, or his or her affairs. A " retreat "is stated in tlie Act to moan " b house liuer-spd by the licensing authority named by this Act, for the reception, control, care, and curative treatment of habitual drunkards." No licenße shall be given to any person vobo ia licensed to keep a house for the reception of lura'ies. The Act gives to the Justices of the Pence in England and Ireland, and to the Sheriff or his substitute in Scotland, power (o hear «nd determine under the Siiromory Jurisdiction Ads, an information or complaiut under the Act. The Justices are to have the power to eend hibitual drunkards to retreats ; and prsons may be admitted to retreats on their own application ; and such applicants, after their admission and reception into retreats, unless discharged, shall not be entitled to leave the retreat until the expiration of the time mentioned in the application, fro vided that Buch term shall not exceed twelve months. Provisions are made for tba inspection of the retreats by an officer to be styled " tho inspector of retreats," and each retreat shall be inspected at least twice in each year. Power ia given to tho justices to permit an habitual drunkard confined in a retreat, to live with nny trustworthy Bnd respectable person willing to take charge of bicn for a definite time for the benefit of hia health. An! habitual druckard escaping from tbe person in wbose chnrge he has been placed shall forfeit his license, and may be taken back to the retreat. Ample provision is made by the Act for the medical attendance, and care of those detained in the retreats under orders made by the Justices.