A SERIOUS ALLEGATION. AGAINST A HOME FOR GIRLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2238, 15 November 1907, Page 3

A SERIOUS ALLEGATION. AGAINST A HOME FOR GIRLS.

ALLEGED ILL-TREATAIENT,

Press Association,

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov, 14. Tho Rov. F. P,' Fondall, vicar of Rungiora, in tlio courso of a letter to the local journal, makes certain charges regarding tho troutmont of tho inmates of tlio To Oranga. Homo Christchurch, whoro quasi-crimina girls are sent. Ho says: “I havo heard from what I boliovo to bo absolutely roliablo authority that quito recently two of tlio inmates of tlio To Oranga Homo wero thought to havo made an attempt to escape. Tho police wero called on tho scono to scour tho country near tlio Homo, but tlio missing ones we.ro found hiding .in a loft above tho laundry, novor having lol’t tlio promises at all. Tho punishment meted out for this heinous offonco was tlio cldor girl aged botwoen 19 and 20 had her hair cut off, and also was subjected to a lashing of twelvo strokes on practically a bare back. Tlio younger girl, aged IG, was laslied with six or eight strokes in tlio same manner. Now if this bo true, can you tell whether such treatment his the sanction and approvnl of tho Department? If such methods of doaling with troublesome girls are in vogue, .1 think it high time an inquiry was held into the wliolo management of tlie Home. I quito understand that discipline must be maintained among tlio girls, and that sometimes the punishment must bo severe, but always the amendment of tlio offender should bo the object aimed at. Cutting off tlie hair and giving young women nearly 20 twelve strokes on tho bare back can only harden and embitter them.” A reporter interviewed tho matron of the Homo to-day with tho object of ascertaining wliat was the disciplinary system adopted at the Home, and whether tlio Rov. Air. Findall’s charges wero correct, hut the matron stated that any information on the matter .must come from the .Department.