REST HOME SCHEME

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 796, 17 October 1929, Page 11

REST HOME SCHEME

EFFECT ON PRESENT INSTITUTIONS CLAUSE OBJECTED TO Exception to the provision contained in a Bill now before Parliament whereby certain institutions now controlled by hospital boards may be declared rest homes within the meaning of the new law, was taken by members of the Auckland Hospital Board on Tuesday. Members expressed the opinion that it would not be desirable for the Government to admit certain classes of indigent persons into the homes now conducted by the board. The chairman, Mr. W. Wallace, said the clause meant that persons would be admitted who could not gain entrance under present, conditions. The Government would take advantage of the provision to overcome the difficulties now surrounding the treatment of destitute persons who came before the courts, and the homes would be little better than prisons. If that occurred persons who were now cared for in the homes would lead a miserable life. Every board iu New Zealand was in favour of the rest home scheme, but it was not desired that those at present in homes should be forced *-o suffer through the admission of Undesirable characters. Mr. Wallace added that he had been informed by Mr. M. J. Savage, M.P., that the Bill would not go forward with the clause objected to included iu it. It was decided to express approval of the Bill with the exception of this clause.