ARMY INEBRIATE HOME.
VISIT TO BELL'S ISLAND. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, February 11. The Salvation Army took possession of EeLs island on November i", and' the inebriates' Home established there haS been in existence two months. It may be pfejnatuie to conclude that this institution is gomsr to be a great success, though present indications point in that direction; but so far the results have been all that" could havo been hoped for. \\ hile spending a holiday at Ruth'a Island one of the Star's staff dropped in unexpectealy upon Staff-captain Simpson, and had a chat with him. Bell's Island is practically under prison regulations, and nobod} is allowed lo land or to leave the island without the sanction of Captain Simpson, and it is well, perhaps, to impress this fact upon yachtsmen ; but otherwise there is but little restraint placed' upon the 10 gentlemen who are spending their vacation there — one for two years and the others for 12 months. ■ The reporter wa& most favourably impressed with the suitability of the island, and with tihe establishment generally for the purpose for which it was purchased. Tho buildings are capable of aocommodatmsr 50 persons in addition to the Army officers and theix assistants, and the conveniences are. much better than those of the majority •of board-ing-houses. The 10 inmates who are at present in compulsory residence at the luxurious retreat were found engaged in various occupations, mostly out of doors, and they appeared to be pursuing their work willingly, and doir/g it well. The house in which they are located has a number of single rooms, but, with one exception, they &te bedded in one lon* dormitory. Questioned as to" hie experience so far, Staff-captain Simpson said that he had no difficulty with any of the men. They came to the island anticipating something like a prison and prison treatment, and when they had been there a short tim* they were agreeably surprised, and adapted themselves to the existing conditions. They had to observe regular hours of ri&insr and retiring, working, and at meale, but they worked only about seven and a-half hours a day, and the work was by no means arduous. There was a great deal to be done about the place, and the men must do it. Some were domestics, and others were employed out of doors. Staff-captain Simpson anticipates that a good deal can ' be done in the rearing of poultry. All -the fish required can be caught off the shore, and those not required for immediate use are baited and kept for use when the weather ie unsuitable for fishing. As to the report that the Army contemplates establishing a fish-curing establishment on the island and entering into competition with Auckland fishermen, Staff-captain Simpson said this was a case of going .from home for news. He knew nothing about it. They had, of course, to catch fish for their own use, and they had a fine little smokehouse, which they would use, but he had no idea of .supplying the public. Staffcaptain Simpson does not anticipate any trouble in dealing with his charges, but, in anticipation of- a considerably increased population, he has applied for two more officers. He has authority to enforce solitary confinement and to regulate -a man's food or to stop his tobacco, and these punishments, he expects, will prove all-sufficient. Speaking of the probable effect of discipline, regular work, and abstinence from liquor. Staff-oaotain Simpson eaid he anticipated that after a man had been on the island for 12 months he would be strong enough mentally and physically to tackle work, that he would realise that he could do without liquor, and that he was better without it. Religious service is held in the hall on Sunday, and all Protestants are compelled to attend. With others attendance i« optional.
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Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 14
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638ARMY INEBRIATE HOME. Otago Witness, Issue 2814, 19 February 1908, Page 14
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