THE WAINUIOMATA CASE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5503, 15 November 1878, Page 2

THE WAINUIOMATA CASE.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES, Sir,—l was exceedingly pained to see by yesterday's issue of the morning papers that a very false impression was being circulated with reference to Mr. G. Wood, of Waiuui. From my knowledge of him and his. sister some two and a half years iu duration,—l am quite convinced that quite the contrary to cruel treatment, or anything approaching unbrotherly conduct, Is the real fact. As a Minister of the Gospel regularly visiting and preaching in the valley of Waiuuiomata, most folks will think that X am competent to give true testimony In this sad affair. It appears that the poor creature (Miss Wood) has been the subject of epileptic fits for some time, and that usually she is quiet and harmless. But X can quite conceive that when under the immediate influence of a fit some gentle and precautionary restraint may have been deemed necessary, and that this, whenever used, I am convinced would be of the mildest character. The real reason, as far as I can learn, why the poor thing has been kept at home is simply because Mr. Wood is her brother, and because he was so related felt very reluctant to put her into a public asylum. I frankly confess to a strong admiration for a man who will so befriend bis invalid sister. When, then, the contrary impression goes abroad, I for one consider that such a rumor is unjust and cruel, and ought to be contradicted. No blame can be attached to the officials, who have on information given proceeded to look into the matter. The result of that inquiry I venture, to say will be such as to perfectly exonerate Mr. Wood from the charge of cruelty, and that the public will see that his motives were high, and in accord with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.——! am, &c, W. G. Thomas. Wellington, November 14. [lt appears to us, and it will be found, we think, that Mr. Wood has been very cruelly treated in this matter. The condition of a harmless imbecile under the roof of her relatives must be very bad indeed if a removal to such a den as an ordinary New Zealand lunatic asylum would improve it. The story which the official inspector of these asylums, Dr. Skae, is forced to tell as to their general conditions, makes the hesitation of any benevolent person to commit a human being to such imprisonment intelligible.— Ed. N.Z. TIMES.]