A PITIFUL CASE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3837, 20 June 1891, Page 2

A PITIFUL CASE.

To compal an honest man, broken down by poverty and physical suffering, to associate with thieves and criminals until his lot becomes so unbearable that he prays for death, would seem a piece of barbaric tyranny quite foreign to any British community, and yet (says the Argus) that is what happened in Victoria the other day. An elderly man named William Watson, against whose respectability not a word could be said, became incapacitated for work in consequence of ill-health, and was sent by the magistrate to the gaol at Sale. Here his surroundings so affected him that, according to the medical officer of the gaol, disease was developed, and he asked that death ; might release him. Such were the facts of a sad case laid before the Charities Commission. During a disoudsion as to what course should be recommended, it was stated that 63 similar cases of men being sent to gaol simply and solely on account of their poverty had come under the notice of the Commission. It was decided to suggest to the Under Treasurer the advisability of sending Watson to one of the country hospitals, some of which are at the present time only half filled. The operations of these hospitals are, however, confined to certain districts, and it remains to be seen where this unfortunate grown-up " Ginx's baby" will at last find a resting place.