CARE OF INEBRIATES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 289, 27 February 1928, Page 14

CARE OF INEBRIATES

SYSTEM AT ARMY HOME REFORMS SUGGESTED The opinion is that the present system of dealing with inebriates leaves much to be desired, and as an outcome, important recommendations for the more scientific treatment of those addicted to drink are embodied in a report to the Minister of Justice by a special committee set up to inquire into complaints regarding the conduct of the Salvation Army home on Rotoroa Island. The committee consisted of Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M. (chairman) and Messrs. A. J. Stallworthy and J. H. Luxford, and they sat from December 16 to 20 to hear evidence. The report deals first with complaints against the superintendent at Roto Roa, Major Home, and his management of the institution. After hearing lengthy evidence the committee found that the charge that inmates were required to work out in the rain without protection when ill was not proved. The lack of fire escapes was viewed seriously, as was the omission of fire drill. It was held that there was a lack of system in connection with inmates’ correspondence which gave rise to suspicions against the manager. LITTLE REFORMATION Regarding the charge that the manager was not competent to manage such an institution, it was found that Major Home was generally competent. It was considered, however, that medical treatment should be kept outside the duties of a manager. The complaint that upon their admission no proper inquiries were made of inebriates as to the cause of their condition was found substantially true. The committee very strongly condemned the sending to the island of persons suffering from tuberculosis, and recommended that no person be committed there unless a doctor certified that he was not suffering from any complaint or disease likely to require immediate treatment. ‘The essence of the statute under which detention at the institution at Roto Roa Island is legalised is reformation,* but we find that very little (if anything at all) is done in that direction,” states the report. “In the reformation of inebriates punishment is not, or should not be, considered—the rehabilitation of the inebriate is the one and only consideration. We are satisfied that there must be a classification of inebriates on strictly scientific I lines.” MEDICAL EXAMINATION Among the committee’s recommend- l ations are:—That regulations should be made for the classification and treatment of inmates by a speciallyqualified medical practitioner; .that the Salvation Army should appoint an officer specially to organise and direct ; the social and intellectual affairs of the institution and give more individual comradeship to inmates: that certain powers of the manager should be taken away; that inmates should not be given their complete freedom on leaving the island unless they have relations or approved friends to take them in hand (a short probationary period under a welfare officer should be insisted on); that inmates should be encouraged to employ their spare time in some kind of work which will yield them remuneration (the committee de- j plores the present position under which inmates leave the island practically penniless): that all committals to! the island be for an indefinite period, i the release of each inmate to be at the ; Minister’s discretion; that persons i committed should have proper medical ] examination before their reception at the institution