“USEFUL CITIZENS IN THE MAKING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 229, 22 June 1921, Page 3

“USEFUL CITIZENS IN THE MAKING

BORSTAL INSTITUTION WORK

NEW METHODS FOR OFFENDERS

At a meeting of the Women Prisoners’ Welfare Group held on Monday afternoon an interesting paper describing the work carried out in the Borstal Institution in Invercargill for boys and young men who have transgressed against the law, was read by Mrs. Forde, a member of the group, who recently visited the institution. •

“I was more than favourably impressed with the work that is being done," atateji .Mrs. Forde, "and Mr. Matthews, Con troy ay-General of Prisons, is deserving of the highest praise for the system that has been inaugurated there. I firmly believe that ho is not only doing » groat and necessary work now, but thsij ho is sowing fertile seeds for an even greater work in the future. To make a system or a policy an entire succoto, understanding and sympathetic administration are essential, and I' feel I am right in saying that in Mr. Bathgate, superintendent of the Borstal Institution, Mr. Matthews lias an officer who is thoroughly in possession of these necessary qualifications. Striking Features. "One of the features that seemed to be of outstanding importance is the system of classification of the boys (25 years is the present age limit). There are four classes, the highest of which is knpwn as the Association Class. To work up to this class a boy has to show that he is industrious and his behaviour must be exemplary. The boys who qualify for this class have their meals zin common, their recreation in common, and they nro not in their cubicles until after 9 o’clock each evening,. It is worth noting that the great bulk of the boys confined in the institution have only a third or fourth standard primary school education, so that from an educational point of view a great deal has been left undone by those responsible for their up-bringing. The authorities, however, have set out to remedy this deplorable state of things in a manner that is deserving of all praise. Compulsory education is imparted on three evenings each week, the teachers being recruited from the public schools. It was interesting to be told that a series of lectures was being inaugurated, dealing

with sex hygiene, and Dr. Barclay, for- " merly superintendent of the Wellington Hospital, who is whole-heartedly in sympathy with the movement, has placed lils valuable services at the disposal of the authorities. Dr. Barclay instructs tho'Swvs in the care of the body, and gradually leads up to the sex question, nevor, however, giving it undue prominence. Other lectures are to he given rcgnlarlv upon history, geography, natural history of ,New Zealand, beo life, literature, art, chemistry. natural sources of energy, a night with the poets, reafforestation, economics, and citizenship. A Model Farm. "An area of some 1500 acres of reclaimed land is attached to the institution, and upon this property is being built a model farm, with what is known as mixed farming as the object in view A milking machine has been installed, end the surplus supply of milk and cream is disposed of profitably. Tn connection with the farm, the boys are instructed in the construction of tidal ffrains. embankments, and roads. Tn Teo gardens,are to be seen prolific crops d?- all kinds' of vegetables and quantities of flowers. "A system of vocational training has b°eu inaugurated, and boys have a splendid opportunity of becoming efficient tradesmen. Thorough practical irtetruction is given in carpentering and building. plastering, blacksmithing, concrete biockmaking. roof-tile manufacturing, boot repairing, bricklaying, matmaking, and butchering. Hater on brendmaking ■ rS to 'be added to this lengthy and useful list.

Amusements and Recreation

"Tho authorities have not by any means forgotten rqcreution. A recrention area ’is now being prepared and will be ready for uso next naiwan. There wilt bo football and cricket grounds, a .tepid swimming bath ( and a fives court. A set of bond instruments has been purchased and a brass band is to bo formed. The institution is possessed of a large-size gramophone, and a fine selection of records. • Any boy possessing musical talent is given every encouragement and assistance, and a piano to allow such promising lads to practise bas been installed. At least once a month a concert is given, local musicians placing their services at the disposal of the authorities for this purpose. There is a fine library, too, and books may be changed as often as a boy wishes-to read e -fresh one. The health of the boys Is thoroughly studied, and in cases of illness prompt and efficient treatment is quickly forthcoming. A doctor [visits the institution at least once a week, and at other times if required. There is a hospital ward in the institution for ordinary cases, but serious cases aro removed to the public hospital. A dentist visits tho institution twice a week, and a fully equipped dentistry has been provided.

"These are bnt some of the things that strike a visitor ns ushering in a new and more hopeful ora in the treatment of unfortunate boys and young men. Orthodox prison ideas are absent. The institution is a splendid big school, at which boys are treated as human beings and as useful citizens in the making. They are taught to have a thorough confidence in Itho officers who hnvo charge of them, and to confide their troubles, their wants, and their aspirations to these admirably chosen officials. On each. Saturday morning an opportunity to interview the superintendent Is given the boys, when they c.nn make any request or ask for advice. It is at this time that the superintendent gets Into specially close personal touch with them, and that is an nll-imnortant factor for good in the methods followed out there.’’ Tho People’s Part. Mrs. Forde added that she was convinced that Mr. Matthews and his offic, ers were doing their part and doing it efficiently and well. But the fruits of their labour could not be reaped if there was not co-operation and continuance of the work by tho people as a whole. When boys and young men emerged from the institution they should at once be taken In hand and not allowed to drift. The old prison stigma must ho discarded, and tho lads must be treated with kindness end consideration. There must at once be emnloyment: for them, and they must not bo treated as pariahs or Ishmaels against whom every man's hand was turned. Society for its own sake should endeavour to change things in this direction. These boys and young men had a claim upon society, and society should not repudiate this claim.