STOKE ORPHANAGE INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 183, 3 August 1900, Page 6

STOKE ORPHANAGE INQUIRY.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

NELSON, Thursday. The Stoke School Commission resumed

to-day

Brother Lovetus was further examined. He said the provincial Brother Superior was quarantined at Wellington, and was expected on Monday. He did not remember telling Mr Thomson. Inspector, that there was no solitary confinement. Mr Hogben said that within limitations, solitary confinement was recognised by the Department. AVltness said he did not remember a conversation with Sir E. Glbbes regarding punishment. Mr Hogben said that on Sir E Gibbes' report, the Inspector-General reported there was absolutely no corporal punishment given in this school.

Witness acknowledged' having a bad memory, especially for dates. He did not report punishments to Dean Mahomev. who had a right to interfere. Some of the Brothers were opposed to the cells. Thrashing on the body was discontinued six or seven years ago. No boys had been put in chains for two years. That took place five years ago. Two boys were put in light, well padded chains to prevent them running away, but one did get away.

Dr. Duff, formerly medical officer, stated that he was aware of the mustard and water treatment followed by castor oil. It was Innoxious, and had the best results. He never administered this in his own practice.

Head Brother Augustine stated that the boys were always glad to go up the hill. He never heard a word of complaint that the boys were insufficiently fed. The evidence given re cells was practically correct. He never opposed that form of punishment.

Father George Mahoney, chaplain, said he visited the school four time a week. He never heard of the confinement till recently. On the whole, the relations between the boys and the Brothers were kindly. The boys were brought up hardily. He had addressed the boys just before the Commission sat, as a mutinous spirit prevailed; but. he never told them to say nothing against the orphange, nor threatened them. He might have referred to Mr Rout, chairman of the Charitable Aid Board.

Dean Mahoney gave the history of the institution. He said a female assistant was found unsatisfactory, and this led to the Marists taking charge, witness retaining his position as manager. He had always exercised authority over the school, and received obedience from the Brothers. He would welcome the appointment of male and female visitors. He was not aware of the punishments inflicted. Re first heard of the confinement through the newspapers. He did not approve of such punishment. He never heard complaints nbout the food, and never received a complaint regarding clothing. He knew the health of the boys was remarkably good. He did not think, the food sufficiently varied. He thought boys with criminal tendencies would be better kept in a separate place, where the control was more rigid. He now saw he should have inquired relative to the punishments.

The commissioners will visit the orphanuge to-morrow morning, and question the boys, but will not admit the press.