LIONEL TERRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2098, 27 January 1908, Page 3

LIONEL TERRY.

INSANE, BUT NOT A CRIMINAL Dll. TRULY KING’S OPINION.

Dr. Truby King communicates tho •following statomont to tho Otago Daily Times:—‘‘Mr Torry was engaged in painting at an easel on tj stage of tho recreation hall nt tho time of. his escape. The two 'Mi ol *' Pauls in charge were men ol ox pinioiico, the senior having been trained at Moruingside Asylum, EHmImrgn, under Dr. Ckm.sum, prior to entering the service at Seachilo some three vein's ago. The escape was due oiltiroly to carelessness on tho part of tho men in charge, who, m spite of daily warnings, allowed tho pat ion t out of their sight, under tlio impression that there was no means oi escape . ’The patient secured a piece of rope used for scene slutting, lifted the snsli of the window, lot himself down most of the way and jumped the rest. Only last Sunday 1 eonimencoil n letter to the eentiai authority pointing out that owing to his ‘increasing determination to escape Terry would have to be transferred to sonic institution affording greater structural facilities for safeguarding him. It appoars to mo desirable to prevent further public misconception regarding the patient in question. Ho is neither a hero nor a criminal, but unfortunately ho is , and lias been throughout, unquestionably insane and irresponsible. After Mr Terry’s escape I wrote pointing out that certain alarmist statements then in circulation suggesting danger to lone women .and children 0 were without foundation, but I did not wish to convey the idea that ho was insane or responsible. It was obvious that Mr Terry was insano, but the way to make him actively dangerous was to lot him seo announcements in tho newspapers that his fellow-beings regarded him, and oxpected him to prove himsolf, a bloodthirsty criminal. Ho is not a criminal and not bloodthirsty, but nothing would he allowed to stand in tho way of his effecting what hojbelieveil to he necessary for the salvation of his race. Tho treatment accorded to Terry by the settlers in Central Otago, was not merely kind and humane, but was the only safe and sensible way to deal with a. until of his temperament, and tendencies: However, Terry himself, on being replaced in Seaeliffc last month, was indignant that tlio authorities had not sent him to goal, because lie resented being in an institution which implied insanity and .irresponsibility. Ho 6aid he did not want comfort, but justice. Ho continues to insist that he would ho happier in prison, and becomes daily more resentful and bitter at being kept here. Under these circumstances I am satisfied that the best tiling for himself and for everyone concerned is to let him have hie own way in tlie meantime, but whether lie remains here or is sent elsewhere he will uot bo allowed the opportunity of escaping again.